Concept Processor for Robust Control and Signal Processing

The proposed study will establish the technical viability and potential market for a novel microcontroller/processor optimised to perform critical control tasks. The principal application is for the attitude control of satellites, but the necessary features that enable robust attitude control also lead to strong support for communications, image processing, and robotics. In contrast with mainstream devices, an innovative approach is proposed that enhances performance while reducing system clock speed, which in turns leads to a reduced power consumption for a given task. In power-limited, mission-critical applications such as small-satellite control, there are strong advantages to making the hardware more specialised. This project will assess the appropriate trade-offs between making a device application specific, and delivering high performance for a variety of market needs.