Search Results

This paper describes the capabilities of using a time domain analysis to simulate the electrical waveforms on the MIL-STD-1553B data bus using the circuit simulation program SPICE. This simulation was developed to analyze the various data bus architectures of the Space Station Freedom (SSF) propulsion module system. The advantages of this model over frequency domain models is that the waveform is directly calculated, not synthesized, providing a more accurate and detailed waveform representation. Also, nonstandard configurations and effects can be modeled with accurate simulation results. The output of the simulation is an electrical waveform which can be measured at any point in the bus architecture. Therefore it is possible to see the distortion effects on the transmitted signal's waveform at any point on the MIL-STD-1553B data bus. This model accurately simulates the stray impedance effects of all bus components, and is flexible enough to examine any transmitted waveform.

A novel robot architecture has been developed which promises cost savings in a variety of applications in Space and on Earth. Utilizing cables in order to effect motion in a general workspace provides large weight savings, as well as high end effector stiffness. The architecture has been built and successfully tested in space. The capability of the robotic system to actuate those switches, dials, and buttons expected in space environments, as well as to read displays and transmit video to earth for operator feedback have been proven, and are discussed herein.