NASA Uses TEK Micro VXS Boards

NASA will design in several TEK Microsystems boards for its first VXS-based satellite communications system. The system will be used for Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) compatibility test sets as part of the Space Communications and Navigation(SCaN) Program. SCaN provides communications and navigation services to the Agency's flight missions. TEK will deliver Callisto, Janus, and Neptune 2 VXS boards. Callisto provides a large FPGA processing resource at the heart of the VXS communications fabric. Janus combines FPGA-based DSP technology with seven channels of 16-bit, 500 MSPS (mega samples per second) DAC (digital to analog conversion). Neptune 2 combines FPGA technology with a dual channel, 2.2 GSPS (giga samples per second) architecture. The initial order, made by NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, OH is part of a proof-of-concept system, where successful development may result in additional orders.