Frequently asked questions
Short answers about Cambrian Works, the GigFamily networking products and eTAP.
What does Cambrian Works do?
Cambrian Works designs and builds flight hardware for data networking and electroadhesive attachment in orbit. The GigFamily line (GigRouter, GigCompute, GigSwitch) networks the systems inside a spacecraft and connects spacecraft to each other, and eTAP attaches a spacecraft to other objects without custom mating hardware.
What is GigFamily?
GigFamily is Cambrian Works' family of space-rated networking products, made up of the GigRouter, GigCompute and GigSwitch. They network the systems within a spacecraft and connect spacecraft to each other, across a constellation or between constellations. See the GigFamily page for a side-by-side comparison.
What is the GigRouter?
GigRouter (model GR-002007) is a space-ready router and edge computer for satellite networks. An NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin processor runs AI/ML workloads on board, multiple network interfaces support flexible communication links, and data is managed autonomously across hybrid space networks. See the GigRouter page.
What is the GigCompute?
GigCompute (model GC-002003) is a compact, high-performance edge computer for satellites. Multi-gigabit Ethernet and large on-board memory support data fusion, analysis and AI/ML applications in orbit. See the GigCompute page.
What is the GigSwitch?
GigSwitch (model GS-008008) is a ruggedized Ethernet switch for spacecraft with 7x 10G and 8x 1G Ethernet ports. It is built for moving data, not computation. See the GigSwitch page.
Which network protocols do GigFamily products use?
GigFamily products use standard Internet protocols (IPv4, IPv6 and MPLS) and Cambrian network-management software. RF and optical terminals connect as ordinary network interfaces, so the network works with any RF or optical terminal a mission flies.
Do spacecraft using GigFamily need a ground station?
No. Data moves directly from craft to craft and can be buffered from other sources until a path is available, so no ground station is required. A ground station is simply another node on the network.
Are GigFamily products space-rated and tested?
Yes. GigFamily products are space-rated for vibration, thermal-vacuum and radiation. GigRouter has completed NASA GEVS vibration and thermal-vacuum testing and has been radiation tested for operation in multiple orbital regimes.
How much power do the GigFamily products use?
GigRouter uses 26 W idle and 94 W maximum on 18 to 36 V input. GigCompute uses 16 W idle and 84 W maximum on 9 to 14 V input. GigSwitch uses 15 W minimum and 35 W peak on a regulated 12 V input.
How big and heavy are the GigFamily products?
GigRouter is 267 x 200 x 61 mm and 3.23 kg. GigCompute is 213.4 x 160 x 61.5 mm and 1.90 kg. GigSwitch is 140 x 140 x 50 mm and 1.20 kg.
How many Ethernet ports do the GigFamily products have?
GigRouter has 2x 10 GbE and 7x 1 GbE ports. GigCompute has 2x 10 GbE and 3x 1 GbE ports. GigSwitch has 7x 10 GbE and 8x 1 GbE ports.
What is eTAP?
eTAP (electric Thin Attachment Pad) is an electroadhesive surface mounted on a carrying spacecraft. When energized, the eTAP surface attaches the craft to other objects without custom mating hardware. See the eTAP Model 1010 page.
How much power does eTAP Model 1010 use?
eTAP Model 1010 uses 125 mW (25 mA at 5 VDC).
Where can I download datasheets?
Each product page has a "View datasheet (PDF)" button, and all datasheets are listed on the Documents page.
Who does Cambrian Works serve?
Commercial customers (satellite operators and space-system integrators; partners and flights include Aptos Orbital, EOI Space and Astroscale U.S.) and government programs (including SpaceWERX, AFWERX, U.S. Space Force and NASA). See the About page.
How do I contact Cambrian Works or ask about a product?
Use the Contact page. Cambrian Works is at 985 University Avenue, Suite 30, Los Gatos, California 95032.