Combining Power and Data using Powerline Communication for Harness Simplification and Mass Reduction

The challenge of this task is to eliminate dedicated communication wires to powered instruments and electronic devices. It will demonstrate realistic data and power transfer over common harness conductors to provide control and telemetry and determine Electromagnetic Compatibility with the power bus and spacecraft environments.

The task approach is to carry communication signals over the existing power distribution cables using Powerline Communications Technology and to eliminate all dedicated communications harnessing, resulting in reduced mass, volume, implementation cost. Major milestones: 1. Power bus noise and signal compatibility evaluation. Rates, filtering and protocol determination. Electronic part evaluation and board design. 2. Power line T0 testbed with prototype power line node and EMI/EMC Testing 3. Demonstration of power line control in relevant EMI/EMC instrument (advanced mirror control)