SpaceWire PCI Mk2

Please note that we have limited stock of the SpaceWire PCI Mk2 and are unable to manufacture more once current stock is depleted.

The SpaceWire PCI Mk2 is a 3 SpaceWire port interface device, which can also act as a router, that succeeds the successful SpaceWire PCI-2 card. New features include the introduction of a packet generator in the hardware. This allows the card to generate SpaceWire packets at high speeds without using the host PC’s resources. Similarly, a new packet checker has also been added to the hardware design. The high performance driver boasts a full API which allows the user to control all functions of the card, supporting C and C++. Both the API and board design are common across several other STAR-Dundee devices. This makes it easy and quick to migrate user application software across different platforms. The board also supports field upgrades, such that any future revisions or a requested customisation can be downloaded from the STAR-Dundee website and installed.

Product Features

  • Provides a host PC with 3 SpaceWire ports

  • Simple connection to PC via PCI interface

  • Hardware packet generator and checker reduces demand on host computer resources

  • Software and accessories included:

    • Windows drivers (Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP)
    • Linux drivers (4.x, 3.x and 2.6 kernels)
    • API with example code and guidance (C language)
    • API user manual
    • 1 year’s technical support and maintenance

  • VxWorks and QNX drivers available separately

Technical Specs

  • Part Number

    123

  • Size

    • Standard PCI board, 165 mm long (approx., excluding front panel)

  • Power

    • +3.3V DC, supplied via PCI connector

  • SpaceWire Ports

    • Compliant to SpaceWire Standard ECSS-E-ST-50-12C (formerly ECSS-E50-12A) and provides support for RMAP (ECSS-E-ST-50-52C)

    • Number of SpaceWire Ports: 3

    • Maximum Speed: 200 Mbits/s

    • Data-Strobe skew tolerance: tested on all units to ±2 ns at data rate of 200 Mbits/s

    • Connectors: 9-pin micro-miniature D-type

    • LVDS signalling: Using Xilinx LVDS

  • PCI Interface

    • 32-bit, 33 MHz

  • EMC

    • The SpaceWire Mk2 board is sold as a component for inclusion in a computer unit. EMC certification is the responsibility of the user.