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updated obc landing page tp getting started
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‎_site/index.html

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‎obc-members/index.md

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# nav_exclude: true
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---
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# Guide for OBC Team Members
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{: .no_toc .text-purple-200}
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# Getting Started for OBC Team Members
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<details markdown="block">
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<summary>Table of Contents</summary>
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Welcome to the Onboard Computer (OBC) team! This page will guide you through the first steps to begin working with the BIRDS OBC subsystem using the available open-source resources.
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- Table of Contents
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{:toc}
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> 🔧 **Note:** Some elements like board files are currently proprietary. However, [we're building an open version]({{site.url}}//project-list.html#3-kicad-design-of-an-open-source-cubesat-onboard-computer-obc), and your contributions are welcome.
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</details>
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---
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## 1. Clone the Repository
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First, clone the OBC hardware and firmware repositories to your local machine:
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```bash
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git clone https://github.com/BIRDSOpenSource/BIRDS3-OBC.git
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```
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Make sure you have `git` [installed](https://git-scm.com/downloads). If not, you can download the repository as a ZIP file from GitHub.
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![Github ZIP download Diagram](/assets/images/github-zip.png)
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---
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## 2. Open the OBC Schematics
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- In the folder you have downloaded or cloned, navigate to the `OBC_Schematic.pdf` file.
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- Since the board files (`.sch`, `.brd`) are proprietary, only pdf schematics are available at this time for all editions of the BIRDS series.
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![BIRDS3 OBC Folder explorer](/assets/images/birds3-obc-folder-explorer.png)
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> 📢 **Want to help?** We're building an open OBC board. Check out the [`obc-open-hardware`]({{site.url}}//project-list.html#3-kicad-design-of-an-open-source-cubesat-onboard-computer-obc) project in our Project List to contribute.
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---
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## 3. PCB Layout & Export (Using Antenna Board as Example)
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While the OBC board files aren’t public yet, we recommend trying the antenna panel as a practice project.
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Steps:
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1. Go to the [`BIRDS3 Antenna Panel`](https://github.com/BIRDSOpenSource/BIRDS3-AntennaPanel) Github page and download the `.brd` and `.sch` files.
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![BIRDS3 github antenna panel folder](/assets/images/birds3-github-antenna-panel-folder.png)
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### **Tutorial Series Titles for OBC Members**
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#### **1. Introduction and Fundamentals**
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1. **Overview of CubeSat Onboard Computer (OBC) Systems**
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- Role of the OBC in CubeSat subsystems.
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- Interfaces with payloads, communication, ADCS, and EPS.
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2. Open your PCB designer of choice e.g [KiCad](https://www.kicad.org), [Fusion 360 Electronics](https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/electronics-engineer), etc.
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3. Open the `.sch` and `.brd` files in the PCB designer.
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4. Export Gerber files via **File → Plot**, and generate drill files via **File → Fabrication Outputs**.
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> 🔍 Although we use **Fusion 360**, the antenna panel is fully accessible in **KiCad** for open testing.
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>
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> Troubleshooting? Try [working with .brd files guide](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/guide-working-brd-files-best-practices-insights-shirley-leung-a3llc/).
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>
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> You can view the file online [here first](https://www.altium365.com/viewer/).
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---
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2. **Evolution of OBC Design in BIRDS Projects**
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- Lessons learned from BIRDS-X, BIRDS-5, and BIRDS-4 OBC designs.
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- Comparisons of architectures and technologies used.
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## 4. Open the Bill of Materials (BOM)
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## Introduction
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{:toc}
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This guide provides foundational knowledge of CubeSat system architecture and software, tailored for new OBC team members.
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You can find the OBC parts list (`OBC_BOM.xlsx`) in the hardware repo.
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- It includes current and obsolete components.
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- We’re developing a **solution mapping sheet** that suggests updated, drop-in replacements.
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## Role and Responsibilities of the OBC Team
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{:toc}
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The Onboard Computer (OBC) serves as the CubeSat’s central command center, coordinating subsystems, managing mission-critical tasks, and ensuring seamless data flow throughout the satellite.
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- It processes attitude data from the Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) and issues control commands to maintain and adjust the CubeSat’s orientation.
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- The OBC is responsible for controlling deployment mechanisms, including antennas and burner circuits for solar panel deployment, ensuring the satellite’s functionality post-launch.
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- It manages power line regulation and protection by controlling Digital Input/Outputs (DIOs) and Overcurrent Protection Systems (OCPS) and
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- handles connections to communication transceivers to facilitate telemetry, command, and mission data exchange between the CubeSat and the ground station.
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> 🔄 This is a living document. If you find alternatives, please submit a pull request or open an issue.
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---
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## 5. Explore the Firmware
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Explore the structure of the PIC firmware in the `OBC-Firmware` repo.
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- Each subsystem has its own folder.
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- Code comments and function headers guide you through main functionalities.
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- The [Software Developers Manual (in development)](https://github.com/BIRDSOpenSource/docs/blob/main/software_manual.md) will help clarify more advanced logic.
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---
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## 6. Build and Flash the PIC Microcontroller
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You will need:
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- MPLAB IPE v6.00 or later (Free to download from Microchip)
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- PICkit 3.5 debugger/programmer (since PICkit 3 is obsolete)
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- HEX firmware file (typically in the `dist/` folder)
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### Flashing Steps:
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1. Open **MPLAB IPE** and select your device (e.g., PIC18F series).
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2. Choose the PICkit 3.5 as your tool.
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3. Browse for your `.hex` file.
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4. Click *"Connect"*, then *"Program"*.
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> 🛑 Always verify power and orientation before flashing to avoid damaging your board.
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---
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## 7. Troubleshooting Tips
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- If MPLAB fails to connect: check USB cable, driver, and power source.
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- Ensure that the MCU is not in reset mode or receiving unstable power.
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- Cross-check your configuration bits (sometimes mismatches cause boot issues).
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- Check if a watchdog timer is unintentionally enabled.
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---
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## ✅ Getting Started Checklist
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- [ ] Clone the OBC repositories
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- [ ] Open the schematics in Fusion 360 Electronics
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- [ ] Review and explore the firmware repository
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- [ ] Test PCB export using antenna panel in KiCad
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- [ ] Review the BOM and suggest replacements if possible
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- [ ] Flash the MCU using MPLAB IPE + PICkit 3.5
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- [ ] Browse the troubleshooting section and keep notes of your setup
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---
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Additionally, the OBC oversees mission routing, ensuring that tasks like data acquisition, storage, and downlink operations occur according to mission schedules, making it an indispensable component of CubeSat operations.
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> 💡 Need help or want to contribute improvements to this guide? Join the discussion on [GitHub Discussions](https://github.com/orgs/BIRDSOpenSource/discussions).
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## Key Systems and Architectures
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{:toc}
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<p>
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<img alt="OBC-detailed-block-diagram" src="https://github.com/BIRDSOpenSource/BIRDSRP-OBC/blob/main/Diagrams/obc-detailed-block-diagram.png">
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</p>
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6. Documentation and Best Practices
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Writing OBC Design Documentation
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6. Documentation and Best Practices Writing OBC Design Documentation
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Templates and examples from BIRDS missions.
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Tips for documenting hardware, software, and interfaces.

‎obc-members/obc-page.md

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This is the OBC used in BIRDS 3 and 4. It has three microcontrollers: Main, Reset and Com, all 8 bit PICs. The Main PIC is a PIC18F67J94 and the Reset and Com PICs are PIC16F1789. They are connected as showed in the following diagram:
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**Block Diagram of the OBC in the BIRDS Bus**
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---
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**Block Diagram of the OBC in the BIRDS-3 Bus**
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![On Board Computer Interface Diagram](/assets/images/OBC-diagram.png)
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*A visual representation of the OBC's architecture, showing its connections to other subsystems such as power, communication, and payload.*
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If you want to purchase the commercial version of FAB/OBC/EPS, please contact SAGAMI Electronics Industry Ltd.
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The contact address is **takei@sagami-net.co.jp**.
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## OBC Board Block Diagram (includes Start PIC)
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{:toc}
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```mermaid
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flowchart LR
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subgraph Power_Lines
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RAW[RAW POWER]
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DCDC1[DC/DC → 3.3V #1]
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DCDC2[DC/DC → 3.3V #2]
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DCDC3[DC/DC → 5.0V]
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DCDC4[DC/DC → Unreg #1]
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DCDC5[DC/DC → Unreg #2]
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RAW --> DCDC1 --> MAIN_PIC
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RAW --> DCDC2 --> COM_PIC
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RAW --> DCDC3 --> RESET_PIC
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RAW --> DCDC4 --> START_PIC
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RAW --> DCDC5 --> BURNER
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end
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subgraph OBC_Module
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MAIN_PIC[MAIN PIC]
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COM_PIC[COM PIC]
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RESET_PIC[RESET PIC]
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START_PIC[START PIC]
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MAIN_FM[MAIN FM]
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COM_FM[Shared COM FM]
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MSN_FM[Shared MSN FM]
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MUX1[MUX 1]
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MUX2[MUX 2]
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end
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MAIN_PIC -- SPI --> MUX1
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MUX1 -- SPI --> MAIN_FM
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COM_PIC -- SPI --> MUX2
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MUX2 -- SPI --> COM_FM
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MAIN_PIC -- UART --> COM_PIC
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MAIN_PIC -- UART --> RESET_PIC
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COM_PIC -- UART --> START_PIC
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RESET_PIC -- UART --> START_PIC
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MAIN_PIC -- SPI --> MSN_FM
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COM_PIC -- UART --> OLD_TRX
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COM_PIC -- UART --> NEW_TRX
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subgraph External_Components
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CPLD[CPLD]
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FAB_PIC[FAB PIC]
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MSN_BOSS[MSN BOSS]
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BURNER[BURNER CCT]
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UHF[UHF TRX]
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OLD_TRX[OLD TRX - ADDNICS]
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NEW_TRX[NEW TRX]
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end
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MSN_BOSS -- UART --> MAIN_PIC
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CPLD -- UART --> MSN_BOSS
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FAB_PIC -- UART --> MAIN_PIC
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MAIN_PIC -- UART --> BURNER
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BURNER -- Power --> UHF
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```
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---
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## Background
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The design of the OBC in the BIRDS bus is influenced by the need for a reliable and efficient computing system that can operate within the constraints of a CubeSat. Historically, CubeSats have relied on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components to reduce costs and development time. However, the harsh conditions of space, including radiation and extreme temperatures, require components that are both durable and energy-efficient. The PIC microcontroller was chosen for its proven performance in space applications and its ability to meet these stringent requirements.

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