08-06-2012, 11:09 AM
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#174
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Mahomes Fanboi
Join Date: Apr 2004
Casino cash: $3224969
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Quote:
Computers: The two identical on-board rover computers, called "Rover Compute Element" (RCE), contain radiation hardened memory to tolerate the extreme radiation from space and to safeguard against power-off cycles. Each computer's memory includes 256 KB of EEPROM, 256 MB of DRAM, and 2 GB of flash memory.[19] This compares to 3 MB of EEPROM, 128 MB of DRAM, and 256 MB of flash memory used in the Mars Exploration Rovers.[20]
The RCE computers use the RAD750 CPU, which is a successor to the RAD6000 CPU used in the Mars Exploration Rovers.[21][22] The RAD750 CPU is capable of up to 400 MIPS, while the RAD6000 CPU is capable of up to 35 MIPS.[23][24] Of the two on-board computers, one is configured as backup, and will take over in the event of problems with the main computer.[19]
The rover has an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) that provides 3-axis information on its position, which is used in rover navigation.[19] The rover's computers are constantly self-monitoring to keep the rover operational, such as by regulating the rover's temperature.[19] Activities such as taking pictures, driving, and operating the instruments are performed in a command sequence that is sent from the flight team to the rover.[19]
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One would think that the computers in this rover would be a bit more robust.
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