CHALÚ-X
CUBESAT · COMMUNICATIONS
Dual-band (S/UHF) satellite modem for CubeSats. DVB-S2 Short Frame compliant on Zynq + AD9364, with independent TTC on MSP430. Communications subsystem for CHAZE-Agro.
Project Description
Development and validation of a high-capacity satellite communications module for CubeSats. The core is an AMD-Xilinx Zynq System-on-Chip architecture, where programmable logic implements a high-performance LDPC encoder and adaptive link protocol (Link Adaptation). A supervisor microcontroller (MSP430FR) adds a critical survival layer for commercial components (COTS), with latch-up protection and automatic recovery.
Identification
- Status: Active
- Area: CUBESAT · COMMUNICATIONS
- Code: /en/projects/chalu-x
- Partners: 2
- Technologies: 6
Main Objective
Design, develop, and validate in a relevant environment the CHALU-X space communications module, an engineering prototype at TRL 5 that delivers a robust downlink of up to 2 Mbps for IAR CubeSats, integrating LDPC coding, adaptive link control, and a survivability architecture for COTS components.
Technological Challenges
Adaptive System-on-Chip architecture
Implement an AMD-Xilinx Zynq SoC where programmable logic hosts high-performance LDPC encoders and adaptive link protocols, while the ARM processor runs Linux for flexible mission management. This core architecture is critical for maximizing efficiency in a harsh space channel.
LDPC coding and link adaptation
Develop and integrate LDPC codes aligned with DVB-S2 practices and dynamically adaptable N-PSK modulation. The system must automatically adjust coding and modulation according to channel conditions, increasing throughput without hardware redesign.
COTS survivability architecture
Design an enhanced survivability layer with an MSP430FR supervisor microcontroller, including latch-up control (LCL), power sequencing, and golden-image recovery. This is the key risk-mitigation layer for space operation with commercial parts.
High-speed multilayer PCB design
Design a 90 x 95 mm CubeSat board with BGA integration, advanced thermal management, and controlled routing for critical signals (DDR3, LVDS). Include SPI-over-LVDS interface with the OBC for plug-and-play satellite integration.
SDR-oriented scalability
Build the PCB with initial compatibility for AT86RF215 (EDU phase) and a prepared footprint for future migration to wideband SDR transceivers (for example AD9361 class), reducing obsolescence and protecting investment.
TRL 5 relevant-environment validation
Execute a full validation campaign with IAR/CONAE facilities, including BER vs Eb/No performance tests, EMC checks, and environmental qualification activities such as thermal-vacuum cycling, vibration, and shock.
Key Features
Link performance
Up to 2 Mbps useful rate in S band, BER target below 1e-7
Form factor
90 x 95 mm board, compatible with CubeSat 1U PC/104 constraints
Central processing
AMD-Xilinx Zynq SoC with ARM + FPGA running Linux
Link robustness
LDPC coding plus adaptive link control strategy
Survivability
MSP430FR supervisor with latch-up handling and recovery image
Scalability path
Hardware prepared for future SDR transceivers and higher throughput
Phase Timeline
Phase 1: Architecture and kit-level validation
M1-M7Architecture baseline, preliminary BOM, LDPC algorithm development, and adaptive-link prototyping.
Phase 2: Engineering prototype design
M6-M10Multilayer PCB design, schematics, layout closure, and thermal-risk management.
Phase 3: Manufacturing and hardware integration
M11-M15External PCB fabrication, BGA assembly flow, and delivery of engineering prototypes.
Phase 4: Software integration and lab validation
M15-M19Final firmware integration on FlatSat with electrical and communications validation tests.
Phase 5: Relevant-environment validation and transfer
M19-M24EMC and environmental campaign plus final documentation and transfer package.
Team
Faculty and Researchers
- Dr. Martín A. Guzzo
- Msc. Ing. Cristian A. Sisterna
- Ing. Rodolfo H. Arroqui
- Geremias Gaia
- Ing. Juan Ignacio Sebastián
- Carlos Riveros
- Dr. Eugenio Orosco
- Dr. Gabriel E. Cañadas
- Ing. Carlos R. Dell'Aquila
Students and Fellows
- Guillermo Gancio
- Elías Fliger
- Dario Capucchio
- Martin Salibe
- Alejo Suárez Borcosque
- Ian Parlade Peralta
Strategic Partners
IAR (Argentine Institute of Radio Astronomy)
Adopting and demanding institution
Contribution: Provides mission demand, validation infrastructure, and specialized technical criteria.
CONAE
Validation collaborator
Contribution: Supports environmental testing resources and guidance on applicable space standards.