Browsing by Author "Rust, A. N."
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- ItemA second generation SUNSAT RAMDISK(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2000-12) Rust, A. N.; Bakkes, P. J.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The SUNSAT RAMDISK was studied, and tests performed to assess its flight readiness. Errors were detected, and modifications had to be made to ensure proper operation. SUNSAT was subsequently launched, and to date the RAMDISK is still functioning correctly. The flight readiness testing of the RAMDISK was considered a pre-study to designing a second generation RAMDISK. A conceptual mass memory storage device support structure was designed. This second generation RAMDISK, or memory drive is intended to be used on a second generation SUNSAT, or SUNSAT 2. The design is targeted for implementation in fields programmable gate arrays (FPGA's) and was realised using VHDL. This hardware description language is an accepted standard, and can be implemented in a number of different programmable logic devices; both SRAM and fuse-link based. Simulations were performed to verity the functionality of the design, and to determine whether the data transfer specifications could be met using programmable logic devices. A modular design methodology was followed. The memory drive was designed so that any type and amount of memory can be added to the drive without a major design change. The simulations indicated that a data capturing speed of 130 Mbits/s could be maintained.