675.753.81 - Spacecraft Avionics Systems

Course Structure

The course materials are divided into modules which can be accessed by clicking Modules on the left menu in Canvas. In general, one module is covered per calendar week (Monday through Sunday). A module will have several sections including the overview, content, readings, discussions, and assignments. You are encouraged to preview all sections of the module before starting. Most modules run for a period of seven (7) days, exceptions are noted in the Course Outline. You should regularly check the Calendar for assignment due dates.

Course Topics

• Introduction to Avionics Systems
• Requirements and Data Systems
• Radiation Environment and Mitigations
• Introduction to Electrical Data Interfaces
• Electrical Data Interfaces: Applications (Part 1)
• Electrical Data Interfaces: Applications (Part 2)
• Spacecraft Processors
• Memory
• Design Reviews
• Digital Circuits and FPGAs
• Sensors and Analog Circuits
• Fault Protection, Timekeeping, and Interface Control Documents
• DC-DC Power Conversion, Inflight Operations, and Systems Development.
• Conclusions

Course Goals

To gain an appreciation and understanding of the role of the spacecraft avionics system. Through the course project, advance an avionics system design from an initial concept through the early development stages of requirements capture and a preliminary design review. There is a focus on digital and analog electronics concepts that are commonly used with the avionics system. 

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

• Describe the essential functions, components, and subcomponents of a Spacecraft Avionics system.
• Develop and evaluate candidate spacecraft data communication architectures.
• Design a conceptual spacecraft Avionics system at the block diagram level with accompanying key parts selections such as the spacecraft processor, memories and FPGAs.
• Analyze the technical approaches and trade-offs involved in Avionics system design, implementation and deployment.
• Apply Industry and Government agency guidance and requirements to the Avionics system.

Textbooks

This course assigns several readings from the textbook used in the Fundamentals of Engineering Space Systems courses.

Wertz, J. R. (Editor), (2011). Space Mission Engineering: The New SMAD (Space Technology Library, Vol. 28) First Edition. Location: Springer. 

Student Coursework Requirements

It is expected that each module will take approximately 7–10 hours per week to complete. Here is an approximate breakdown: reading the assigned sections of the texts (approximately 3 hours per week) as well as some outside reading, listening to the audio annotated slide presentations (approximately 2–3 hours per week), homework assignments (approximately 1-2 hours per week), and working a semester long project (approximately 1-3 hours per week).

This course will consist of the following basic student requirements:

Discussions (10% of Final Grade Calculation)

There are a multiple discussion threads assigned throughout the course. Each Discussion assignment is open for multiple weeks. Each discussion prompt requires an initial response based upon a reading or scenario description and the course material to date.

The student responsibilities for each discussion thread as well as the timeline for posts will be found in the discussion prompts on Teams.

Assignments (50% of Final Grade Calculation)

There are a total of 14 homework assessments assigned for each module except the final module. The homework reinforces the module readings and lectures and seeks student application of both general and specific aspects of the course material. Each homework assignment will provide specific instructions to the student such as a written analysis, evaluation of candidate space-grade parts and developing engineering conceptual designs.

Reference readings may be provided as needed. Student research beyond the assigned reading and presentations may be required. Any external sources used to solve the problem or referenced in the response should be cited. If a web page is cited, it must be available throughout the following module as well; it is also possible to include a “pdf” print of the web page and include it in your submission.

All homework is to be submitted in electronic format as a pdf and the native format when appropriate. Assignment submissions must be clearly marked with your name and assignment identifier on each page. All assignments are due according to the dates in the Calendar. Homework submitted on-time will receive detailed comments back; late submissions receive less or no feedback. Late submissions will be reduced by one letter grade for each week late (no exceptions without prior coordination with the instructors).

The homework format is varied across the course, but in general:

• Answering the questions adequately earns a “B”
• Providing insight and demonstrating depth of understanding earns an “A”

Resubmission is allowed only in cases where the student obviously misunderstood the assignment, or unintentionally left a section out.

 Course Project (40% of Final Grade Calculation)

A course project will be assigned with three individual deliverables throughout the course. The objective of the project is to mature a baseline Avionics system concept through the early mission review cycle. This consists of compiling requirements and providing a preliminary design in response to design update prompts and peer review feedback. See the Project pages in Canvas for additional information.

Grading Policy

Assignments are due according to the dates posted in the Canvas course site. You may check these due dates in the Course Calendar or the Assignments in the corresponding modules. I/We will post grades one week after assignment due dates.

We generally do not directly grade spelling and grammar. However, egregious violations of the rules of the English language will be taken as an indication of poor written communication ability that may detract from your grade.

A grade of A indicates achievement of consistent excellence and distinction throughout the course—that is, conspicuous excellence in all aspects of assignments and discussion in every week.

A grade of B indicates work that meets all course requirements on a level appropriate for graduate academic work. These criteria apply to both undergraduates and graduate students taking the course.

Final grades will be determined by the following weighting:

Academic Policies

Deadlines for Adding, Dropping and Withdrawing from Courses

Students may add a course up to one week after the start of the term for that particular course. Students may drop courses according to the drop deadlines outlined in the EP academic calendar (https://ep.jhu.edu/student-services/academic-calendar/). Between the 6th week of the class and prior to the final withdrawal deadline, a student may withdraw from a course with a W on their academic record. A record of the course will remain on the academic record with a W appearing in the grade column to indicate that the student registered and withdrew from the course.

Academic Misconduct Policy

All students are required to read, know, and comply with the Johns Hopkins University Krieger School of Arts and Sciences (KSAS) / Whiting School of Engineering (WSE) Procedures for Handling Allegations of Misconduct by Full-Time and Part-Time Graduate Students.

This policy prohibits academic misconduct, including but not limited to the following: cheating or facilitating cheating; plagiarism; reuse of assignments; unauthorized collaboration; alteration of graded assignments; and unfair competition. Course materials (old assignments, texts, or examinations, etc.) should not be shared unless authorized by the course instructor. Any questions related to this policy should be directed to EP’s academic integrity officer at ep-academic-integrity@jhu.edu.

Students with Disabilities - Accommodations and Accessibility

Johns Hopkins University values diversity and inclusion. We are committed to providing welcoming, equitable, and accessible educational experiences for all students. Students with disabilities (including those with psychological conditions, medical conditions and temporary disabilities) can request accommodations for this course by providing an Accommodation Letter issued by Student Disability Services (SDS). Please request accommodations for this course as early as possible to provide time for effective communication and arrangements.

For further information or to start the process of requesting accommodations, please contact Student Disability Services at Engineering for Professionals, ep-disability-svcs@jhu.edu.

Student Conduct Code

The fundamental purpose of the JHU regulation of student conduct is to promote and to protect the health, safety, welfare, property, and rights of all members of the University community as well as to promote the orderly operation of the University and to safeguard its property and facilities. As members of the University community, students accept certain responsibilities which support the educational mission and create an environment in which all students are afforded the same opportunity to succeed academically. 

For a full description of the code please visit the following website: https://studentaffairs.jhu.edu/policies-guidelines/student-code/

Classroom Climate

JHU is committed to creating a classroom environment that values the diversity of experiences and perspectives that all students bring. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Fostering an inclusive climate is important. Research and experience show that students who interact with peers who are different from themselves learn new things and experience tangible educational outcomes. At no time in this learning process should someone be singled out or treated unequally on the basis of any seen or unseen part of their identity. 
 
If you have concerns in this course about harassment, discrimination, or any unequal treatment, or if you seek accommodations or resources, please reach out to the course instructor directly. Reporting will never impact your course grade. You may also share concerns with your program chair, the Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, or the Office of Institutional Equity. In handling reports, people will protect your privacy as much as possible, but faculty and staff are required to officially report information for some cases (e.g. sexual harassment).

Course Auditing

When a student enrolls in an EP course with “audit” status, the student must reach an understanding with the instructor as to what is required to earn the “audit.” If the student does not meet those expectations, the instructor must notify the EP Registration Team [EP-Registration@exchange.johnshopkins.edu] in order for the student to be retroactively dropped or withdrawn from the course (depending on when the "audit" was requested and in accordance with EP registration deadlines). All lecture content will remain accessible to auditing students, but access to all other course material is left to the discretion of the instructor.