Microsemi has released the RTG4 PROTO Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). Developed specifically for prototyping space systems, these devices enable low-cost prototyping and design verification activities for the latest radiation-resistant high-speed FPGAs. RTG4 PROTO FPGA is also the only reprogrammable prototyping solution of its kind, providing the same timing and power characteristics as a spacecraft.
"Our new RTG4 PROTO FPGA continues Microsemi's tradition of providing leading-edge capabilities to the aerospace industry because these devices use the same silicon and packaging as flight model FPGAs without the need to complete flight model tests, thereby reducing costs for our customers. Said Minh Nguyen, senior marketer. Microsemi's space and aviation manager. "We are committed to providing other cost-effective prototyping solutions to enable highly complex applications to help customers evaluate and design using our latest technology."
Their new RFPGA supports simple hardware timing verification and power estimation. Because the device uses the same reprogrammable flash technology as the flight unit, it can be reprogrammed multiple times without removing it from the development board. To meet the requirements of space system designers who must design for harsh environments beyond the Earth's atmosphere, these devices have been electrically tested to ensure reliable performance over the entire military temperature range and are available in unsealed ceramic packages.
According to Euroconsult's 2015 report entitled "Satellites to be Built and Launched by 2024", more than 60% of satellites will be launched by 2024 compared to the past decade. This increase is mainly driven by the civil administration, as countries with established space will replace and expand their satellite systems in orbit, and more countries will receive their first operational satellite systems.
In addition to satellite applications, FPGAs are also ideal for space shuttles, planetary orbiters and landers, and deep space probes. Target customers include designers, program managers, system architects, and component engineers serving the aerospace market.
The company's RTG4 FPGA was launched in 2015, bringing new capabilities to the space market and helping to address congestion in satellite signal processing and other challenges common in space applications. The company's solutions provide designers of space flight systems with prototyping tools at every step of the design phase, ranging from cost-effective commercial equivalent equipment to their new radiation-resistant PROTO equipment. These PROTO FPGAs will be used in future RTG4 development kits, providing a comprehensive evaluation and design platform for space designers.
