PHD STUDENTSHIP IN SURREY SPACE CENTRE for the work `Hot patching mission critical software over a lossy command link` at the Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Guildford. The positon in Full Time (Reference: 003216)
Description / Scope: This PhD research project aims to investigate updating on-board software, live, over a lossy command link and in a high radiation environment and to compare any new approach to more traditional bootloader techniques.
Requirements : The candidate will be expected to work with the
- original STRaND-1 team to characterise the existing STRaND-1 command chain,
- detailed behaviour of the protocol when used over a lossy link, from ground segment to on-board computer,
- investigating strategies to improve the command chain,
- ensuring the solution is generic enough to be applied to different software and hardware architectures.
The improvements could include:
- Updates to the communication protocol, and strategy for migrating from one protocol to another
- Making use of on-silicon microprocessor peripherals
- Making the existing approach safer, more robust and more adaptable
- Further minimising the amount of uplinked data for a given software update
- Challenging conventional wisdom on the use of dynamic memory allocation
Please note this studentship is only available to Home/EU applicants. The studentship covers Home/EU fees and a maintenance in-line with EPSRC rates.
How to apply:
- Applicants are invited to apply online: Click here
- In the field labelled “Intended Research Area” please enter “Hot patching mission critical software over a lossy command link/Dr Chris Bridges” Please also send a copy of your CV, a cover letter (including a brief description of your research interests).
Deadline: 29 February 2016, interviews to be held shortly thereafter, Start date: 1 April 2016
For informal inquiries contact: Dr Chris Bridges, email: c.p.bridges@surrey.ac.uk
Closing Date: Monday 29 February 2016
