Development of Radiation-Hardened MCU Based on ARM Cortex-M0
Leveraging chip design technology in experiments to verify computing implementation in space environment

ARM announced that a VORAGO Technology microcontroller (MCU) based on the ARM Cortex-M0 processor has been onboarded on SpaceX CRS-10, launched by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to supply materials to the International Space Station (ISS).

NASA had previously adopted the ARM Cortex A-53 processor to develop next-generation space electronic equipment. The project, supported by NASA and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, marks the first instance of an MCU developed based on ARM Cortex-M0 with radiation hardening being adopted in a space mission.


▲ SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch

RHEME (Radiation Hardened Electronic Memory Experiment) is a critical experiment to verify whether computing can be implemented in the harsh space environment. This experiment utilized the enhanced radiation-hardening chip design technology possessed by VORAGO.

In space, electronic memory can be exposed to high-energy protons and radioactive particles, and when such particles collide with memory or other microscopic circuits, information stored in memory bits can be damaged. Corrupted data causes serious problems that can impair electronic equipment.


▲RHEME system module and Cortex-M0-based chip

RHEME plans to monitor the effects resulting from particle collisions with memory over the next year. It is controlled by a VORAGO ARM Cortex-M0-based microcontroller. Through this experiment, spacecraft electronic equipment errors are detected and corrected with low power consumption.

Ross Bannatyne, marketing director at VORAGO Technology, stated, "Radiation-hardened microcontrollers are becoming increasingly popular technology among spacecraft computing application designers. In particular, they are gaining prominence in the small satellite segment. ARM possesses the technology to meet such demands." He continued, "Low power consumption is extremely important for spacecraft that rely on solar power. In addition, the wide ecosystem for development support and the technology to implement compact chips that can be used in spacecraft with tight space constraints are also critical factors. This experiment is expected to provide very important data for future chip development for space systems."