HARDWARE / PRODUCTUpdated 25 Jul 2026

Robust On-Board Data Handling Unit

S4 - Smart Small Satellite Systems GmbH
Robust On-Board Data Handling Unit

A radiation-tolerant On-Board Data Handling (OBDH) unit that uses software-based fault protection and commercial components, offering standard UNISEC bus interfaces for satellite integration.

Technical specifications

Radiation protection approach
Software-based, using advanced FDIR and redundancy
Component type
Commercial (COTS) chips
Flight heritage
More than 5 years without any interruption of service in polar LEO
Bus interface
Standard UNISEC bus electrical interfaces
Momentum
2.0 mNms
Nominal rotational speed
19,000 rpm
Nominal torque
0.1 mNm
Mass
< 20 g
Dimensions
20x20x20 mm
Supply voltage
5 V
Operating voltage
3.3-8.4 V
Power consumption (nominal)
< 400 mW
Power consumption (peak)
< 1000 mW
Nom. ambient temperature
0 °C
Operating temperature
-50 to +50 °C
Survival temperature
-60 to +100 °C
Lifetime
5 years

About

The Robust On-Board Data Handling Unit (OBDH) implements a new concept of radiation protection achieved through software rather than radiation-hardened hardware, relying on advanced FDIR (Fault Detection, Isolation and Recovery) and redundancy approaches. This approach has demonstrated very reliable performance in orbit. Despite using only commercial (COTS) chips rather than space-qualified radiation-hardened components, the unit is able to handle the radiation environment of polar LEO orbits, having operated for more than 5 years without any interruption of service. The OBDH is equipped with standard UNISEC bus electrical interfaces, enabling straightforward integration into satellite systems that follow the UNISEC bus standard. A product flyer is available for further technical details.

Documentation

Need the full ICD, test reports or a specific revision? Ask the supplier directly.

Source: www.s4-space.com ↗

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