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Mainboard Overview

Hardware Overview


PyCubed is a single PC/104 sized PCB capable of all standard CubeSat operating needs:

  1. Command and control of the spacecraft (C&DH)
  1. Energy harvesting and power management (EPS)
  1. Telecommunication (TT&C)
  1. Data collection and storage
  1. Payload interfacing
  1. 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

TypePart Name/NumberFunction
Microprocessor📂ATSAMD51J20A-AUOn-board computer
32-bit ARM M4 @ 120MHz
Code Storage📂MR25H40MDFSupplemental flash memory
Data Storage📂Micro SD SocketLarge external storage
Watch-Dog Timer📂MAX706RS-TExternal watch-dog for processor
IMU📂BMX160Accelerometer, magnetometer, gyro
Radio (Modular)📂RFM98PWModular radio
3.3V Regulator📂TPS54226Configurable DC-DC switching
regulator (default = 3.3V)
Energy Harvester &
Battery Charger
📂LTC4121Configurable solar Li-Ion battery charger (default = 2S3P Li-Ion, configured for 12V solar)
Burn Wires (x2)📂Burn Wire CircuitDeployment release mechanisms
Power Monitor📂ADM1176Measures input voltage and current-draw from batteries
RF Regulator📂TPS7A4501DCQTAdjustable DC-DC regulator for radio(s). Must be enabled from microcontroller. (default = 5.0V)
Mechanical Inhibits📂InhibitsMeans 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:

  1. Payloads and payload connector: 🎛Payloads & Interfacing with External Boards
  1. Inhibit switches and RBF header: 🔓Inhibits & RBF Header
  1. SD card: 💾Selecting an SD card
  1. Radio antenna connectors: 📡Antennas
  1. Burn wire connectors: 🔥PyCubed Burn Wire Info & Usage
  1. Solar connectors: ☀️PyCubed Energy Harvesting

Resources & Guides


All tutorials, write-ups, and discussions about PyCubed are housed here: