Extreme temperature (-170°C to +125°C) electronics for nanorover operation

Abstract

The design of the electronics control and data system for the extreme environment seen by a 1.3 kg, 1666 cubic cm nanorover is presented. The Muses-CN electronics is a low mass, low volume, low power electronics platform that must operate over the -170/spl deg/C to +125/spl deg/C temperature range and a 1 AU free space radiation environment. The nanorover electronics is a 2.5 W system that allows for 0.05 to 1 MIPS processing power and will control 10 motors for mobility and science instruments. Science measurements include IR and Alpha Xray backscatter spectrometers along with an active pixel sensor camera and robotic telemetry signals. The theoretical basis for a low power electronics system with space and commercial grade electronics parts operating in this temperature range is presented. System and component temperature results along with the unique packaging constraints of the COB assembly are also discussed.