Space-Ready RISC-V FPGA with Radiation Tolerance for Linux

Microchip Technology has introduced a radiation-tolerant version of its PolarFire FPGA, featuring a RISC-V processor sub-system capable of running the Linux operating system. This innovative Microchip RT PolarFire system-on-chip (SoC) FPGA is the first of its kind, offering real-time Linux capabilities on a flight-proven RT PolarFire FPGA fabric.

Developers now have the opportunity to leverage the commercially available PolarFire SoC (MPFS460) device and Libero SoC development tools to kickstart their designs. By tapping into the Microchip Mi-V RISC-V ecosystem and utilizing the PolarFire SoC software stacks, developers can create lower power designs tailored for the demanding thermal conditions of space environments.

The RT PolarFire FPGA has already attained the Qualified Manufacturers List (QML) Class Q designation, meeting specific performance and quality standards set by the Defense Logistics Agency. Furthermore, there is a clear pathway for this device to achieve QML Class V qualification, the highest standard for space microelectronics.

Safety-critical systems, control systems, as well as space and security applications require the flexibility of the Linux Operating System (OS) combined with the determinism of real-time systems to manage hardware effectively. The RT PolarFire SoC FPGAs come equipped with a multi-core Linux-capable processor that seamlessly interacts with the memory subsystem, enabling central satellite processing capabilities akin to those found in single board computers commonly used in the space industry.

Space-deployed systems face intense radiation, necessitating design approaches that offer protection against critical radiation-induced upsets. Unlike SRAM FPGAs, the RT PolarFire SoC is engineered to withstand zero configuration memory upsets in radiation, eliminating the need for an external scrubber and reducing overall system costs. Satellites are designed to manage peak and average power while dissipating heat through conductive paths, primarily metal. Utilizing a SoC FPGA that can reduce power consumption by up to 50 percent simplifies satellite design, enabling designers to focus on mission-critical tasks.

“By providing the design ecosystem for the industry’s first RISC-V-based radiation-tolerant SoC FPGA, Microchip is fostering innovation and empowering designers to create a new class of power-efficient applications for space,” stated Bruce Weyer, corporate vice president for Microchip’s FPGA business unit. “This advancement will also enable our clients to enhance edge compute capabilities in aerospace and defense systems.”

Microchip’s Mi-V ecosystem supports symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) rich operating systems such as Linux, VxWorks, PIKE OS, as well as real-time operating systems like RTEMS and Zephyr. With a range of tools and design resources developed in collaboration with various third parties, Microchip is committed to supporting RISC-V designs.

For more information, visit the PolarFire SoC page.