SpaceWire PCI Mk2

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.