GOEPEL electronic, world-class vendor of JTAG/Boundary Scan solutions, and the German Aerospace Center DLR-RM (Deutsches Zentrum fuer Luft- und Raumfahrt, Institut fuer Robotik und Mechatronik) have developed the first applications using the revolutionary VarioCore technology for the test of space-related equipment. The solution is based on the innovative JTAG/Boundary Scan hardware platform SCANFLEX, utilising VarioCore modules as a reconfigurable interface for the flexible testing of the electronic peripherals of Space Robots.
“The selection of VarioCore as part of the test strategy for a very impressive project such as Space Robots is an honour for us, and at the same time, an acknowledgement of the quality and performance of our SCANFLEX product line”, says Thomas Wenzel, Managing Director Boundary Scan Division at GOEPEL electronic. “Additionally, we've gained experience within key strategic applications with this partnership, giving immediate benefit to future VarioCore product developments.”
At the DLR Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics a docking tool for sensor guided satellite capturing was developed. The docking tool, attached to a servicing satellite, supports the autonomous docking of telecommunication satellites in geo-synchronized orbit. Several docking tool sensors ensure the collision free insertion into the apogee motor nozzle of the client satellite, prior to the final docking. These sensors have to undergo all the prescribed environmental tests such as vibration and thermal/vacuum, before the system can be launched into space.
The DLR project utilises VarioCore for both the dynamic verification of sensors and the stimulation of sensor interfaces as independent IEEE1149.1 test runs. The sole hardware test platform is a SCANFLEX JTAG/Boundary Scan controller SFX/USL1149-B using a USB/LAN interface for TCK frequencies up to 50MHz, connected with a SCANFLEX TAP Transceiver SFX-TAP2 and a SCANFLEX I/O module SFX5350. After executing traditional Boundary Scan test and programming, SFX5350 is reconfigured “on the fly” with specific VarioCore-IPs™, to be used as either a multi-channel frequency generator or frequency counter, all taking a fraction of a second. Further external instruments are no longer required, which decreases the wiring efforts considerably.
The entire test and reconfiguration run is controlled by the JTAG/Boundary Scan software package CASCON GALAXY, including required user interaction, and takes just a few seconds.
By using VarioCore technology, the SFX5350 is reconfigurable for other projects with specific I/O functionality, running up to 125MHz. This flexibility does not only protect investments, but increases fault coverage, while minimising test efforts, both for desing and production, significantly.
DLR-RM will introduce this cooperation for the first time in public during GOEPEL electronic's Boundary Scan Days in Germany on 22nd and 23rd May.
GOEPEL electronic, founded in 1991 and headquartered in Jena/Germany, is a worldwide leading vendor of innovative JTAG / Boundary Scan / IEEE 1149.x solutions, offering mature software tools in an integrated development environment, high-performance Boundary Scan controllers and accessories, as well as comprehensive product support and value added services. The company of 125 employees generated revenue of more than 16 million EURO in 2006, maintaining support and sales offices in Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States. An extended distribution and service network of more than 300 specialists ensures excellent local and on-site customer support for more than 5,000 worldwide system installations. GOEPEL electronic has been continuously ISO9001 certified since 1996 and was honoured with TOP-JOB and TOP-100 awards for being one of the best medium-sized companies in Germany. GOEPEL electronic's products have won several awards in recent years and are used by several leading companies in telecommunications, automotive, space and avionics, industrial controls, medical technology, and other industries. Further information about the 2004, 2006 and 2007 “Best-in-Test Award” winner, can be found online at www.goepel.com.
The long-term goal of the robotics activities at the DLR Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics has always been based on the idea of relieving man from inhuman and dangerous tasks. While in the early years of robotics in our department the main focus of interest has been restricted to designing robot sensors (and sensor-based man-machine interfaces) and closing smart sensory feedback loops, in the last years the activities have widened considerably. Presently the general goal is the design of a new generation of multisensory light-weight robots for space applications which are operable by astronauts as well as from groundstations, based on powerful telerobotic concepts and man-machine-interfaces. More detailed information concerning the research activities of DLR Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics can be found at the following address www.dlr.de/rm/en/.
