After successfully withstanding radiation testing at the Indiana University Cyclotron Facility, the CARD-PC/486D4 was selected to serve as the "engine" of the Boeing Single Board Controller (SBC) which has been developed for experiments on platforms including the Space Shuttle and International Space Station (ISS).

The Epson CARD-PC underwent strict pre-flight performance evaluations that included tests of launch vibration tolerance and payload electro-magnetic interference before completing its first space mission aboard Space Shuttle Columbia in July 1999 (STS-93).

Functioning as a full 486 CPU, the Boeing SBC provides command, control and data handling for payloads. It is a low-cost unit designed specifically to meet the stringent requirements of most non mission-critical Shuttle and ISS applications, using advanced commercial-grade components that have been tested thoroughly in flight environments to ensure reliability

"This Single Board Controller design approach incorporates strategies that reduce the cost of flight systems development, integration and operation while improving performance," stated Vernon Strength, PhD, project manager at the Boeing Company.

"The Epson CARD-PC product is a commercial, off-the-shelf part that meets the requirements of the majority of ISS payloads without modification. Through wide use of such reliable, non-customized parts in non mission-critical applications we can save both time and money, and meet our high-performance objectives," said Strength.

The ISS payload operations are supported by an on-board data communications network that has provisions for mass data storage, crew monitoring and interaction, and ground uplink/downlink.

With the large number of active systems that will operate simultaneously on the ISS, NASA is finding it advantageous to have the internal functions of systems regulated by dedicated, embedded controllers that are linked to the network.

"By having an aerospace giant, such as Boeing, include the CARD-PC on its Single Board Controller, we're demonstrating the never-ending possibilities for CARD-PC integration," said Minoru Nimura, CARD-PC Marketing, Epson Electronics America.

"Our CARD-PC product line addresses a broad range of applications, including aerospace in which high performance, combined with low cost and low power, is key," added Nimura.

The CARD-PC/486D4 is an upgradable, integrated processor containing a CPU, DRAM, flash BIOS EEPROM, I/O ports, video controller and other functions of a PC motherboard in a compact unit measuring a mere 86x54x7.5mm

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