← Back to NASA Technology Projects

Combining Power and Data using Powerline Communication for Harness Simplification and Mass Reduction

Completed TRL 2 (started at 2, targeting 3)

Description

The challenge of this task is to eliminate dedicated communication wires to powered instruments and electronic devices. It will demonstrate realistic data and power transfer over common harness conductors to provide control and telemetry and determine Electromagnetic Compatibility with the power bus and spacecraft environments.

The task approach is to carry communication signals over the existing power distribution cables using Powerline Communications Technology and to eliminate all dedicated communications harnessing, resulting in reduced mass, volume, implementation cost. Major milestones: 1. Power bus noise and signal compatibility evaluation. Rates, filtering and protocol determination. Electronic part evaluation and board design. 2. Power line T0 testbed with prototype power line node and EMI/EMC Testing 3. Demonstration of power line control in relevant EMI/EMC instrument (advanced mirror control)

Benefits

This technology provides •T-zero launch vehicle connections for all spacecraft. •Avionics to Instrument interfaces for all spacecraft •Control of multi-segmented mirrors

Details

Technology areaAerospace Power and Energy Storage > Power Management and Distribution > Management and Control
ProgramCenter Independent Research & Development: JPL IRAD (JPL IRAD)
Lead organizationJet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA
Start date2015-10-01
End date2016-10-01

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.