To simplify the development of a space industry certification system
Microchip's COTS-based processors and
Ensuring reliability by supplementing the communication interface


Spaceflight certification systems are time-consuming, expensive, and risky to develop. To mitigate this, the industry is beginning development with commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components and later replacing them with space-certified, radiation-hardened equivalents that have the same pin-out distribution and are available in plastic and ceramic packages.

Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP) today announced the availability of a radiation-hardened 64-megabit (Mbit) parallel interface SuperFlash® memory device that features high Total Ionizing Dose (TID) tolerance, ensuring reliability and robustness in the radiation environment of space.

The SST38LF6401RT SuperFlash memory device is a companion device for space-qualified MCUs, MPUs, and FPGAs that provides a building block for highly scalable development models.

“This device provides critical protection for space systems that require the most robust digital processing when companion Flash memory is needed to store critical software code or bitstreams that power the entire system,” said Bob Vampola, vice president of Microchip’s Aerospace and Defense Business Unit.

The SST38LF6401RT device provides up to 50Krad (kilorad) of radiation tolerance, even when the flash is biased and operational, ensuring smooth operation in a wide range of space applications where any loss of code execution that could result in catastrophic failure and system loss is unacceptable.Supports catalogs.

Microchip selects relevant devices from its automotive and industrial-grade product families and improves its silicon process to provide enhanced protection against single-event latch-up in heavy-ion environments. The radiation performance of these modified devices is fully documented and supported through dedicated radiation reports for each functional block.

This device is suitable for a wide range of applications, from launch vehicles and satellites to space stations. Developers can easily start implementing systems with readily available COTS devices before replacing them with pin-out compatible, space-certified equivalents in high-reliability plastic or ceramic packages. The SST38LF6401RT operates from 3.0 V to 3.6 V.

The SST38LF6401RT SuperFlash device is currently available for sampling in ceramic version, and is supported by an evaluation board and demo software. An FPGA flight programming reference case is also available, enabling integration with the FPGA and the SAMRH71 processor with supporting software.