SpaceWire link is used to enable the reliable transmission of data at high speed (between 2 Mb/s and 400 Mb/s) from one unit to another. SpaceWire links are full-duplex, point-to-point, serial data communication links.

Advantages

• Near constant total drive current (+3,5 mA for logic 1 and -3,5 mA for logic 0) which decreases switching noise on power supplies.
• High immunity to ground potential difference between driver and receiver. LVDS can tolerate at least ±1 V ground difference.
• High immunity to induced noise because of differential signalling normally using twisted-pair cable.
• Low EMI because small equal and opposite currents create small electromagnetic fields which tend to cancel one another out.
• Not dependent upon particular device supply voltages.
• Simple 100 Ohms termination at receiver.
• Power consumption is typically 50 mW per driver receiver pair for LVDS compared to 120 mW for ECL or PECL.

Cable Construction

• Cable made with 4 shielded twisted pair
• Expanded PTFE tape
• Shielding braid
• Outer jacket : PFA
• 9 way micro D connector (15 way for special applications)
• Backshell for shield termination

Approvals

• ESCC3902.003 for the cable
• ESA EPPL2 list for the connectors
• PID (Process Identification Document) C.N.E.S ( French ESA representative agency ) Know how agreement ASF N°13-36 for complete harness assembly.