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Virginia Tech

Hercules attitude processor (HAP)

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

The design and analysis of a microprocessor-based gyro attitude data processing system used to geolocate natural phenomena from space was performed. Operational software was written and a HERCULES Attitude Processor (HAP) unit was built and tested. Strict adherence to worst-case timing design criterion was a prime hardware design consideration. Weight, volume, and power requirements were also addressed. Redundancy was included for critical time maintenance functions. Hardware performance and accuracy was calculated and measured. Operational software was written to control the functions of the HAP unit. Algorithms were written to accurately process the high speed gyro attitude data. Data communication between subsystems in the HERCULES system was controlled by the software. Subsystem configuration, operating modes, self-testing, and resource management was performed by the operational software. Testing was performed on the HAP unit and operational software. Hardware and software performance was analyzed and is presented.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Ph. D.
Level thesis:degree_level
doctoral
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Electrical Engineering
Department dc:contributor.department
Electrical Engineering
Grantor dc:publisher
Virginia Tech
Year dc:date.issued
1992

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Higgins, Robert Francis, 1962-
Chair dc:contributor.committeechair
  • Tront, Joseph G.
Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember
  • Flach, George E.
  • Ricci, Fred J.

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • In Copyright
Language dc:language.iso
en

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Dc Identifier Other
etd-06062008-165739
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/38349

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Virginia Tech
Base URL
vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
related terms
citation

Higgins, Robert Francis, 1962-. Hercules attitude processor (HAP). doctoral thesis, Virginia Tech, 1992. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/38349