Radiation-Tolerant Solutions Using Microchip COTS-Based Devices

　　Developing radiation-tolerant systems for space applications requires long lead times and is very costly, as the systems must be extremely reliable to operate for years in harsh environments. Today, NewSpace and other important aerospace applications require accelerated development and reduced costs. To meet these demands, Microchip  Technology Inc. has introduced a new microcontroller (MCU) that combines unique radiation tolerance with the low-cost development features of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) devices. Let's learn about the relevant content with the editor of Industrial Control.

　　The ATmegaS64M1 is Microchip 's second 8-bit megaAVR® MCU that uses a development approach called "COTS radiation-hardened". This approach takes a proven automotive-grade device, the ATmega64M1, and develops pin-compatible versions of its high-reliability plastic and space-grade ceramic packages. These devices are designed to meet radiation-hardened requirements and have the following target performance:

　　Fully resistant to single event latchup (SEL) up to 62 MeV.cm²/mg

　　Safe storage integrity without single event functional interrupt (SEFI)

　　· Total ionizing dose (TID) between 20 and 50 Krad(Si)

　　All functional modules have single event upset (SEU) characteristics

　　The new devices join the ATmegaS128, a radiation-tolerant MCU that has been designed into several critical space missions, including Mars exploration and mega-constellations of hundreds of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.

　　The ATmega64M1 COTS device, along with its complete development tool chain (including development kits and code configurators), can be used to begin hardware, firmware, and software development. When the final system is ready for prototype or volume production, a pin-compatible, radiation-tolerant 32-pin ceramic package (QFP32) device can be used to replace the COTS device, which has the same functionality as the original device. This greatly reduces costs, while also shortening development time and reducing risk.

　　“Our COTS radiation-tolerant approach gives us uncompromised space-grade devices, providing the aerospace industry with enhanced devices that undergo intensive screening,” said Patrick Sauvage, director of Microchip ’s aerospace business unit. “Also, developing with COTS devices and then replacing them with pin-compatible, fully functional, high-reliability plastic or ceramic packaged devices reduces development time, cost and risk for our customers.”

　　The ATmegaS64M1 meets the high operating temperature range of -55°C to +125°C. It is the first COTS radiation-tolerant MCU to combine a controller area network (CAN) bus, digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and motor control functions. These features make it ideal for use in satellites, constellations, launch vehicles or in a variety of subsystems in critical avionics applications, such as remote terminal controllers and data processing functions. For more information, visit www.microchip.com/ATmegaS64M1 .

　　Development Support

　　To simplify the design process and shorten time to market, Microchip provides a complete STK 600 development board for ATmegaS64M1, helping designers quickly start developing code with advanced functions for prototyping and testing new designs. The device is supported by the Atmel Studio Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for development, debugging and software libraries.

　　Availability and Packaging

　　Four derivative devices are currently available for sampling and volume ordering:

　　ATmegaS64M1-KH-E, ceramic prototype QFP32 package

　　ATmegaS64M1-KH-MQ, ceramic space-grade QFP32 package, QMLQ qualified

　　ATmegaS64M1-KH-SV, ceramic space-grade QFP32 package, QMLV qualified

　　ATmegaS64M1-MD-HP, plastic QFP32 package, AQEC high reliability, available for mass production

　　For additional information, pricing or product purchase requirements, contact a Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip's website.

    The above is an introduction to Microchip's radiation-resistant solutions based on COTS devices in industrial control. If you want to know more related information, please pay more attention to eeworld. eeworld Electronic Engineering will provide you with more complete, detailed and updated information.