Developers of spacecraft electronics use radiation-tolerant (RT) field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) to create on-board systems that meet the demanding performance needs of future space missions, survive the brutal launch process and continue to operate reliably in the harsh environment of space
Microchip’s AVR8 ATmegaS64M1/ATmegaS128 and ARM32 M7 SAMV71Q21 Flight Models (FM) are available in ceramic package with screening equivalent to QML class Q and QML class V quality levels. Engineering samples are available as well.
Developing radiation-hardened systems for space applications means long lead times and high cost toward achieving the necessary levels of reliability for multi-year missions in harsh environments.
World Semiconductor Trade Statistics predicts that chip sales will accelerate to 8.4% growth next year, reaching $469 billion in revenue. For 2020, it estimated that chip sales would rise 5.1% to $433 billion. That’s after semiconductor industry sales fell 12% to $412 billion in 2019. Semiconductor industry sales returned to growth this year despite disruptions from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Microchip’s High-Performance FPGA is First of its Kind to Achieve QML Class V in Ceramic Quad Flat Package
RTG4™ FPGAs offer a unique combination of radiation hardening by design, qualification to QML Class V and packaging that simplifies board design, inspection and assembly
Microchip, a global leader in the manufacture of FPGAs for Military and Space use has planned to release intermediate quality levels FPGAs for New Space projects. This will allow a reduction in cost of the component and lead time on FPGAs.
Microchip takes a proven automotive-qualified device and improves the silicon process to make the component immune to single-event latch-up in heavy ions, thus preventing destruction in the radiation environment of space.