Space exploration demands electronics that can withstand extraordinary conditions – radiation, extreme temperatures, and the relentless force of launch. Microchip Technology is a key player, providing an array of space-grade components, from robust microcontrollers to highly integrated FPGAs.
Bob Vampola, VP of Microchip’s Aerospace and Defense Division, highlights the relentless drive for innovation in this sector in EE Times. “Our products are designed to meet requirements like power efficiency, scalability, performance, and packaging,” he explains, emphasising the accelerated design cycles now seen in space electronics.
A key challenge lies in hardening electronics against radiation. Techniques such as shielding and circuit design adaptations are crucial for ensuring long-term survival in space. FPGAs, the complex “brains” of spacecraft, require rigorous testing for single-event effects (SEE), which can disrupt their operation, or even cause irreversible damage.
Microchip’s success is built upon both in-house innovation and strategic acquisitions, giving the company a rich legacy in space technology. Their solutions are increasingly finding use beyond deep space missions, powering the rapid growth of low Earth orbit satellites.
Looking ahead, Microchip is developing cutting-edge technologies like Ethernet for space and collaborating with NASA to design a future-proof, high-performance processor for demanding missions. AI and machine learning are set to play an increasingly important role in space exploration. Despite the technical difficulty and high costs, Microchip’s strategy of adapting commercial products for space use demonstrates a commitment to overcoming the unique challenges faced by the industry.
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