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 existing power distribution cables using Powerline Communications Technology and to eliminate all dedicated communications harnessing, resulting in reduction in spacecraft mass, volume and implementation cost. Major milestones: Completed: FY16 - Power bus noise and signal compatability evaluation. Rates, filtering and protocol determination. Electronic part evaluation and test bed design. In Work: FY17 - Powerline T0 testbed with prototype powerline node and EMI/EMC testing. Radiation testing of potential powerline communication electronics. Preliminary design of an advanced mirror control testbed. Future Work: FY18 - Demonstration of powerline control in relevant EMI/EMC, thermal and vacuum environment (advanced mirror control testbed). Further testing to understand current powerline communication electronics with regard to applicable spacecraft environments.