Microcontroller based Multi-star simulator using Controller Area Network (CAN)

This paper presents a Multi star simulator which is an embedded system used in the ground testing of Star sensors meant for the precision attitude control of satellites. This system shall not only simulate star intensities precisely, but also control them with changing temperature much easily. In this system microcontroller is interfaced with a personal computer (host controller monitoring all the activities of the system) through a Controller Area Network (CAN). A program running in the host controller allows user to issue requests to the microcontroller to execute the above said functions through appropriate commands using versatile CAN communication. The major advantage of this instrument is that it maintains the intensities of the LEDs constant with varying temperature with minimal effort which clearly defines its edge over the existing system.