From Behavioural to In-Depth Modelling of a Scalable Spacecraft Power System in SystemC-AMS using Continuous Integration Techniques

Abstract

In this work we demonstrate how SystemC-AMS can accompany widely used modelling tools and languages in spacecraft system design. The language bridges a wide range of abstraction levels from a high behavioural description down to the detailed design. To showcase its abilities models of a scalable spacecraft power system are presented. These incorporate distributed analog control loops, digital communication, power electronics, a complex environment and embedded software using the different modelling regimes provided by SystemC-AMS. We show how these models can be used throughout the whole spacecraft system design cycle. The use of abstract models for initial sizing of the power system and high fidelity models for the detailed design of subsystem components is shown. We illustrate how our PCDU Modular Breadboard approach bridges the gap between simulation model and hardware, by making use of the Platform based Design Methodology. In the end we provide an overview of how SystemC-AMS can be embedded into a setup using distributed model execution, configuration control and continuous integration techniques that are focused on software engineering.