Microchip, as a radiation-resistant certification device
Extending Ethernet connectivity for space applications


The use of Ethernet in space applications is expanding.

Microchip Technology announced the space-qualified Ethernet transceiver 'VSC8541RT' on the 15th.

This product is a radiation-resistant device based on a Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) solution, and can be used in a variety of space applications ranging from launch vehicles to satellite groups and space stations.

The VSC8541RT transceiver is a single-port Gigabit Ethernet copper PHY that supports GMII, RGMII, MII, and RMII interfaces. Its radiation performance has been verified and documented through detailed reporting.

The maximum latch-up immunity reached 78 MeV, and the total ionization dose (TID) recorded up to 100 Krad in the test results. The VSC8540RT, which has the same radiation-resistant die and package, provides performance with a 100MB limited bit transfer rate.

Microchip obtained certification for the VSC8541RT radiation-resistant Ethernet transceiver sampling as well as the SAM3X8ERT radiation-resistant MCU equipped with an Arm Cortex-M3 core processor and an embedded Ethernet controller.

The SAM3X8ERT MCU is built into an SoC of the Arm Cortex-M3 core processor and delivers 100 DMIPS in the same ecosystem as the industrial version. In addition to Ethernet capabilities, it can integrate up to 512 Kbyte dual-bank flash, 100 Kbyte SRAM, ADC/DAC, and dual CAN controllers.

The VSC8541RT transceiver and SAM3X8ERT MCU are available in two types of packages: plastic and ceramic. Since the pin layout is identical, developers can start development with COTS devices before using space-grade components, thereby reducing development time and costs.

Bob Vampola, Vice President of Aerospace and Defense at Microchip, stated, “Microchip’s COTS-based aerospace-grade processing technology is equipped with the appropriate performance and high qualification levels to meet evolving requirements ranging from low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite clusters to deep space exploration missions.”

Developers can simplify the development process and shorten the development period by using the commercial Arduino Due kit for SAM3X8ERT along with the VSC8541EV evaluation board for VSC8541RT. The SAM3X8ERT device receives support for development, debugging, and software libraries through the Integrated Development Environment (IDE) of Atmel Studio.

The plastic or ceramic packaged VSC8541RT is currently available for sampling, and the SAM3X8ERT certified device is currently available for mass production.

The SAM3X8ERT is being released in aerospace-grade ceramic prototypes and high-reliability plastic package forms. The VSC8541RT is also being released in aerospace-grade ceramic prototypes and high-reliability plastic package forms. These packages range from the QFP144 package for the SAM3X8ERT to the CQFP68 package for the VSC854xRT.