Overview
The Communication Board by CubeSat Aerospace provides a complete RF communication solution for CubeSats. It integrates GPS for positioning, a UHF/VHF RF modem for telemetry and control, and a burn wire mechanism for deployable antennas—all in a compact PC-104 compatible form factor designed for seamless interface with the avionics board.
Technical Specifications
- RF Modem:
- UHF/VHF band, configurable via UART
- Supports AX.25 protocol (for amateur satellite services)
- Data rate: 1200–9600 bps
- GPS Module:
- GNSS support (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo)
- UART interface to avionics board
- External patch antenna support
- Antenna Deployment:
- Integrated burn wire circuit
- Supports 4-element turnstile deployable antenna
- Power Supply: 3.3 V or 5 V regulated (supplied from avionics board)
- Interfaces:
- 20-pin FFC to Avionics Board
- I²C/UART interface for telemetry and GPS data
- Form Factor: PC-104 tray compatible
- Mounting: Fits into standard 1U–3U CubeSat tray stacks
Description
The Communication Board handles all essential space-to-ground and navigation communication. It integrates a low-power RF modem, GPS receiver, and a burn wire system for antenna deployment into a single, compact module. Designed for rapid integration, it directly interfaces with the avionics board, minimizing wiring and simplifying development.
Key Benefits
- Dual-purpose: RF telemetry + GNSS positioning
- Integrated burn wire driver for antenna deployment
- UART-based control and data interface
- PC-104 compatible for easy tray integration
- Lightweight and low power consumption
- Direct plug-in via FFC to avionics board
Certifications & Testing
Certifications:
- Bench-tested for GPS lock, RF communication, and deployment circuit
- Validated in integrated avionics stack with CubeSat Aerospace platform
- Complies with RF shielding and deployment safety standards
- Functionally verified with 435 MHz turnstile antenna
Support & Warranty
Content:
- One-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects
- Technical support available for frequency coordination, telemetry setup, and antenna integration