Space-Ready FPGAs: Radiation-Tolerant RISC-V SoCs

Microchip Technology has unveiled a groundbreaking solution for fast and cost-effective software customization with the introduction of the radiation-tolerant (RT) PolarFire® system-on-chip (SoC) FPGAs. This innovative technology is designed to meet the demands of safety-critical systems, control systems, space, and security applications that require the flexibility of the Linux Operating System (OS) and the determinism of real-time systems.

Developed on the RT PolarFire FPGA, the new system features the first real-time Linux® capable, RISC-V-based microprocessor subsystem on a flight-proven RT PolarFire FPGA fabric. This advancement opens up a world of possibilities for developers looking to design lower power systems for the challenging thermal environments encountered in space.

With the commercially available PolarFire SoC (MPFS460) device and Libero® SoC development tools, developers can now begin creating innovative solutions using Microchip's extensive Mi-V ecosystem. Whether utilizing the PolarFire SoC stacks, the PolarFire SoC Icicle Kit, or the PolarFire SoC Smart Embedded Vision Kit, designers can leverage the capabilities of the RT PolarFire SoC to enhance their projects.

The RT PolarFire SoC FPGAs boast a multi-core Linux-capable processor that is coherent with the memory subsystem, enabling central satellite processing capabilities similar to those found in single board computers commonly used in the space industry. This level of integration allows for flexible implementation of highly integrated designs, customization, and evolution of function while addressing size, weight, and power considerations.

One of the key advantages of the RT PolarFire SoC is its ability to provide protection against radiation-induced upsets without the need for an external scrubber, unlike SRAM FPGAs. This feature significantly reduces the total system cost and simplifies the design process for satellites, which are required to manage power consumption efficiently and dissipate heat through conductive paths.

According to Bruce Weyer, corporate vice president for Microchip’s FPGA business unit, "By delivering the design ecosystem for the industry’s first RISC-V-based radiation-tolerant SoC FPGA, Microchip is driving innovation and giving designers the ability to develop a whole new class of power-efficient applications for space." This development not only enhances edge compute capabilities for aerospace and defense systems but also sets a new standard for efficiency and reliability in space technology.

The comprehensive Mi-V ecosystem provided by Microchip plays a crucial role in accelerating time to market for designers by offering support for a wide range of operating systems, including Linux, VxWorks®, PIKE OS, RTEMS, and Zephyr®. This suite of tools and design resources is designed to support RISC-V designs and promote the adoption of the RISC-V instruction set architecture (ISA) across Microchip’s SoC FPGA portfolio.

Recognizing the quality and performance of the RT PolarFire FPGA, it has already received the Qualified Manufacturers List (QML) Class Q designation, meeting specific requirements set by the Defense Logistics Agency. Furthermore, there is a clear path for this device to achieve QML Class V qualification, the highest standard for space microelectronics, ensuring its reliability and suitability for space applications.

For more information on Microchip Technology and the innovative RT PolarFire SoC FPGAs, visit www.microchip.com.