Mainboard Overview
Hardware Overview
PyCubed is a single PC/104 sized PCB capable of all standard CubeSat operating needs:
- Command and control of the spacecraft (C&DH)
- Energy harvesting and power management (EPS)
- Telecommunication (TT&C)
- Data collection and storage
- Payload interfacing
- Fail-safe deployment mechanisms
Block Diagram
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NOTE: all hardware design files can be found on the project's GitHub: https://github.com/pycubed/hardware
Primary Circuit Elements
The table below summarizes each of the primary Mainboard components highlighted in the map above. For in-depth discussions on each component, click the respective 📂 part number.
Mainboard Components - Click PN 👇 for More Details
| Type | Part Name/Number | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Microprocessor | 📂ATSAMD51J20A-AU | On-board computer 32-bit ARM M4 @ 120MHz |
| Code Storage | 📂MR25H40MDF | Supplemental flash memory |
| Data Storage | 📂Micro SD Socket | Large external storage |
| Watch-Dog Timer | 📂MAX706RS-T | External watch-dog for processor |
| IMU | 📂BMX160 | Accelerometer, magnetometer, gyro |
| Radio (Modular) | 📂RFM98PW | Modular radio |
| 3.3V Regulator | 📂TPS54226 | Configurable DC-DC switching regulator (default = 3.3V) |
| Energy Harvester & Battery Charger | 📂LTC4121 | Configurable solar Li-Ion battery charger (default = 2S3P Li-Ion, configured for 12V solar) |
| Burn Wires (x2) | 📂Burn Wire Circuit | Deployment release mechanisms |
| Power Monitor | 📂ADM1176 | Measures input voltage and current-draw from batteries |
| RF Regulator | 📂TPS7A4501DCQT | Adjustable DC-DC regulator for radio(s). Must be enabled from microcontroller. (default = 5.0V) |
| Mechanical Inhibits | 📂Inhibits | Means of connecting rail switches, foot switches, and RBF pins. |
See the 2019 SmallSat paper 📄 for an in-depth discussion on design methodology.
See the 📈Novel Serial Bus Protection page as well as the 2021 Serial Isolation paper 📄 for details on the serial bus protection scheme.
Connectors
Further discussions related to PyCubed connectors:
- Payloads and payload connector: 🎛Payloads & Interfacing with External Boards
- Inhibit switches and RBF header: 🔓Inhibits & RBF Header
- SD card: 💾Selecting an SD card
- Radio antenna connectors: 📡Antennas
- Burn wire connectors: 🔥PyCubed Burn Wire Info & Usage
- Solar connectors: ☀️PyCubed Energy Harvesting
Resources & Guides
All tutorials, write-ups, and discussions about PyCubed are housed here: