Introduction
SpaceWire is a standard for high-speed links and networks for use onboard spacecraft, easing the interconnection of:
- sensors
- mass-memories
- processing units, and
- downlink telemetry sub-systems.
SpaceWire is being widely used on many space missions by:
SpaceWire equipment is connected together using SpaceWire links which are:
- serial,
- high-speed (2 Mbits/sec to 200 Mbits/sec),
- bi-directional,
- full-duplex.
Application information is sent along a SpaceWire link in discrete packets. Control and time information can also be sent along SpaceWire links.
SpaceWire is defined in the European Cooperation for Space Standardization ECSS-E50-12A standard.
For further information on the purpose and key features of SpaceWire and for a brief technical introduction please click on the following links:
