Space Environment Evaluation and Low-Earth-Orbit Demonstration of a Communication Component with a Commercial Transceiver Integrated Circuit

Abstract

A software-controllable, consumer-grade, single-chip transceiver integrated circuit (IC) has multiple applications because it can generate a continuous-wave beacon while providing the basic functions of frequency shift keying digital communication as well. In addition, such ICs are low-cost. The above characteristics are advantageous for CubeSats with limited space and for university satellites with development cost constraints. In this study, we conduct radiation tolerance evaluation and Doppler shift tolerance tests to evaluate the feasibility of a single-chip consumer transceiver IC for space applications. In the radiation tolerance evaluation test, we compare the IC radiation tolerance to that of a single-chip microcomputer implemented in space and confirm the good resistance of the former based on the predictive analysis of the single-event upset incidence. Through the Doppler frequency shift tolerance test, we confirm suitable receiving sensitivity. Furthermore, we develop a transceiver IC as a CubeSat-class satellite component and successfully establish communication in an in-orbit demonstration, where the transceiver IC is employed as a CubeSat communication module released from the International Space Station. Thus, the feasability of space utilization of the consumer communication IC is demonstrated, which has implications for the development of more flexible and challenging system designs using newly introduced consumer devices.