VLSI and Circuits, Embedded and Hardware Systems Commons^™

Microdot-A 4-Bit Synchronous Microcontroller For Space Applications, Kirby M. Watson

Theses and Dissertations

Satellites have limited power budgets due to the amount of power collected by the satellite's solar panels. The goal is to have a wide range of functionality, while running off a limited power source. Large microprocessors use large amounts of power to report back temperature and chemical sensor data to ground stations. By using small micro controllers to perform the data collection and minimizing the usage of the larger microprocessors, the satellites will save power. A prototype design of the Microdot 4-bit micro controller for space applications is presented. Requirements for the Microdot, such as microwatt power consumption and 23 …