Onboard computer platform

DANU

Modular onboard computer platform for small satellites, hosted payloads, and autonomous space systems. Built around the flight-proven Microchip SAMV71 architecture with integrated FPGA fabric and modular space-tile expansion.

Technical specifications available

DANU hardware
Specifications describe the product architecture. Availability, radiation configuration, performance and qualification evidence are confirmed during mission review. DANU product flight heritage is not claimed.

Key features

DANUKey features
FeatureModular OBC architecture with optional compute expansion
FeatureSAMV71 / SAMV71RT / SAMRH71 ARM Cortex-M7 processing
FeatureIntegrated FPGA for real-time processing, I/O bridging, and reconfigurable logic
FeatureSingle-slot spacecraft form factor
FeatureCommon software stack across COTS, RT, and RH variants
FeatureDesigned for AI, autonomy, and high data-rate payload handling
FeatureAvailable in PC104, VPX and custom form factors

Main Processor

DANUMain Processor
Processor FamilyMicrochip SAMV71 / SAMV71RT / SAMRH71
CoreARM Cortex-M7
Clock SpeedUp to 300 MHz
ArchitectureDeterministic real-time MCU suitable for FDIR and control tasks

Space Tile Concept

DANUSpace Tile Concept
Architecture pointTrue modularity for spacecraft computing through standardized, swappable computing tiles
Architecture pointPackages complex subsystems into a single module: FPGA logic
Architecture pointPackages complex subsystems into a single module: AI accelerators
Architecture pointPackages complex subsystems into a single module: Control and management logic
Architecture pointPackages complex subsystems into a single module: Power conditioning
Architecture pointPackages complex subsystems into a single module: Clocking and timing
Architecture pointPackages complex subsystems into a single module: Configuration and system interfaces
Architecture pointPackages complex subsystems into a single module: Mass memory
Architecture pointDramatically reduces hardware development time and system integration effort
Architecture pointSimplifies avionics architecture by replacing custom boards with proven computing blocks
Architecture pointEnables rapid mission reconfiguration without redesigning the full avionics stack
Architecture pointAllows capabilities to be upgraded or changed late in the mission design cycle
Architecture pointProvides a scalable path from early prototypes to flight systems

Memory

DANUMemory
Memory elementOn-chip MCU SRAM and Flash
Memory elementExternal memory support (eMMC and MRAM)
Memory elementFPGA configuration memory

Platform positioning

DANUPlatform positioning
Positioning pointIntegrated SAMV71 / SAMV71RT / SAMRH71 MCU
Positioning pointIntegrated space tile
Positioning pointOptimized for CubeSat OBCs
Positioning pointOptimized for payloads
Positioning pointSpecifically aimed at LEO, Aerospace and Defence

Interfaces

DANUInterfaces
InterfaceEthernet
InterfaceSpaceWire
InterfaceCAN / CAN-FD
InterfaceUART
InterfaceSPI
InterfaceI²C
InterfaceGPIO

Expansion

DANUExpansion
Supported modular space tile typeAI accelerators
Supported modular space tile typeCo-processors
Supported modular space tile typeCustom mission hardware

Electrical & Mechanical Summary

DANUElectrical & Mechanical Summary
Form FactorSingle-slot PC/104 modular spacecraft board, VPX, and custom form factors
Radiation optionsCOTS, RT, and RH options available

Application

  • CubeSat and SmallSat OBC
  • AI-enabled Earth observation
  • Space Situational Awareness
  • Autonomous navigation and GNC support
  • Payload control and data handling
  • Technology demonstration missions
  • Aerospace and Defence

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