STIX DPU - very efficient and reliable controller for a scientific instrument

Abstract - The objective of this paper is to present architecture of a very efficient and reliable Data Processing Unit (DPU) for the Spectrometer/Telescope for Imaging X-rays (STIX) scientific instrument made in the frame of ESA Solar Orbiter mission. The DPU was designed, manufactured and delivered by CBK and currently is waiting for a launch that is foreseen in February 2020. The paper presents the history, problems and using solutions that were implemented while working on the unit. Finally, the paper discusses the lessons learned as seen from a time perspective.
 
Keywords: X-ray imaging, X-ray spectrometer, Data Processing Unit, DPU, FPGA, lessons learned.