A Generic On-Board Computer based on RISC-V Architecture Processor for Low Cost Nanosatellite Applications

This paper presents a reliable generic Onboard Computer on FPGA which is designed for low-cost nanosatellite missions. The design implements a RISC-V softcore processor, PicoRV32, as the core of the system, which is interfaced with necessary peripherals to ensure smooth functioning of the nanosatellite. The usage of open-source processor helps in the overall low cost and time-market period of the design, which is a vital element in the highly competitive space-exploration industry. The processor system has been incorporated with various fault tolerance techniques like Single Error Detection and Double Error Detection, Triple Modular Redundancy, and Jitter Detection System to ensure high reliability in the harsh space environment. Various factors like low resource utilization, low power consumption, and high frequency of the processor makes the OBC desirable for low-cost nanosatellite missions.