Developers of small-satellite constellations and other systems used in ‘New Space’ missions must deliver both high reliability and radiation protection while meeting stringent cost and scheduling requirements. Microchip Technology has now given them a faster, more economical production path with the first radiation-tolerant (RT) FPGA that offers the low cost of a JEDEC-qualified plastic package plus the proven reliability of RTG4 FPGA technology and decades of spaceflight heritage, so they do not need to be screened to full qualified manufacturers list (QML) procedures.
“This is a major milestone for system designers who need large volumes of space-grade components at low unit cost and reduced lead times so they can keep pace with shorter service launch cycles,” said Ken O’Neill, associate director, space and aviation marketing for Microchip’s FPGA business unit. “These RTG4 FPGAs have very high standards for reliability and radiation protection, while keeping the cost down using plastic packages and Sub-QML screening”.
Microchip’s RTG4 Sub-QML FPGA has been qualified to JEDEC standards in a flip-chip 1657 ball grid array plastic package with 1,0 mm ball pitch. It is pin-compatible with the company’s QML Class V-qualified RTG4 FPGAs in ceramic packages, making it easy for developers to migrate their designs between New Space and more rigorous Class-1 missions. The RTG4 Sub-QML FPGAs in plastic packages are also available as prototypes in small quantities, allowing designers to evaluate the product and prototype their systems before committing to large volumes of flight models.
Other Microchip products available in plastic packages for spaceflight systems include its LX7730 telemetry controllers, LX7720 position sensing and motor controllers and high-reliability plastic versions of its microcontrollers, microprocessors, Ethernet PHYs, analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and Flash and EEPROM memory.
Bridging the gap between MCUs and MPUs Future Electronics
Editor's Choice AI & ML
The Renesas RA8 series microcontrollers feature Arm Helium technology, which boosts the performance of DSP functions and of AI and machine learning algorithms.
Read more...Enhanced code protection for USB µC portfolio Future Electronics
DSP, Micros & Memory
To help easily incorporate USB power and communication functionality into embedded systems, Microchip Technology has launched the AVR DU family of microcontrollers.
Read more...Compact power relays Future Electronics
Interconnection
The new HE-R Series power relays by Panasonic Industry are PCB-mounted relays for easy board assembly, with both two- and four-pole contact arrangement options.
Read more...Varistors for automotive applications Future Electronics
Circuit & System Protection
TDK Corporation has announced the addition of two new varistors to its AVRH series for automotive applications where both are characterised by the high electrostatic discharge-withstanding voltage demanded to ensure the safe operation of safety-critical automotive functions.
Read more...Power modules enable 15% weight reduction in race cars Future Electronics
Power Electronics / Power Management
Chosen for their small and lightweight characteristics, the Vicor modules efficiently step down the high-voltage accumulator’s power from 400 – 600 V to 27 – 38 V.
Read more...Long-range passive infrared motion sensor Future Electronics
Passive Components
Panasonic Industry (PaPIRs) recently introduced he world’s most compact long-range passive infrared motion sensor, for installation heights of up to 15 metres.
Read more...Bringing performance and security to BLE applications Future Electronics
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
STMicroelectronics’ STM32WBA 32-bit wireless series brings designers the performance, efficiency, and security required for Bluetooth Low Energy 5.3-enabled applications.
Read more...32-bit MCU with embedded security Future Electronics
DSP, Micros & Memory
The highly configurable PIC32CZ CA microcontrollers are available with a 300 MHz Arm Cortex-M7 processor and an embedded Hardware Security Module.
Read more...NFC controller evaluation kit Future Electronics
DSP, Micros & Memory
Infineon’s NGC1081 is an all-in-one controller combining the functions of energy harvesting, NFC, sensing unit, and motor control on a 32-bit Arm Cortex-M0 processor core running at a CPU frequency of 28 MHz.