The launch of ICs with enhanced radiation tolerance for low-cost satellites is expected to generate high demand in the civilian satellite market.

STMicroelectronics (ST), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across a wide spectrum of electronics applications, announced on the 15th that it has launched a radiation-hardened integrated circuit (IC).

The product is expected to simplify the design and enable mass production of reliable, small, low-cost next-generation satellites to provide services such as Earth observation and broadband Internet in Low-Earth Orbits (LEO).

ST's new series of radiation-hardened power, analog, and logic ICs, available in inexpensive plastic packages, provide critical functions in satellite electronics.

The first nine devices in the series, currently shipping, include data converters, voltage regulators, LVDS transceivers, line drivers, and five logic gates used across systems such as power generation and distribution, onboard computers, telemetry star trackers, and transceivers.

ST will continue to expand the series with more features in the coming months to provide designers with greater choice.

Marcello San Biagio, General Manager of ST's General and RF Division, said:Marcello San Biagio, President and CEO of STMicroelectronics, said: “The advent of a new era of private-sector-led commercialization and democratization of space, commonly referred to as ‘New Space’, is fundamentally changing the concept of satellites, their implementation, launch and operation economics. Previously small, specialized spacecraft are rapidly commercializing to be deployed in large satellite constellations comprising thousands of units. This new product series combines ST’s decades of know-how in supporting space missions with its expertise in commercial IC production to provide a robust product at a competitive cost that addresses the challenges presented by the LEO environment, especially for enhanced radiation tolerance.”

ST's new LEO series components are available through ST distribution partners, priced from $70 for logic ICs and $450 for data converters in quantities of 1,000 pieces. Development models are priced from $135 to $775 for 10 pieces. For specific pricing information, please contact your ST Korea office.