Learn more about the future of space exploration following our PIC64-HPSC announcement.
Transforming Space Exploration with PIC64-HPSC Microprocessors
The landscape of space exploration is undergoing a transformative shift with the advent of increasingly complex missions that demand greater autonomy and computational prowess. At the forefront of this revolution is the introduction of Microchip's PIC64 High-Performance Spaceflight Computing (PIC64-HPSC) microprocessors, heralding a new era of high-performance computing for space exploration and commercial space endeavors. Download our white paper for in-depth information about our HPSC products.
The Imperative for Advanced Space Computing Solutions
For over two decades, NASA has relied on the venerable RAD750 radiation-hardened processor to power iconic missions, including Deep Impact, the Mars Curiosity Rover and the James Webb Space Telescope. However, traditional space processors are increasingly seen as lacking the scalability needed for future space missions, both technically and economically. The Planetary Science Decadal Survey (2023-2032) conducted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) identified computational power as a pivotal constraint on NASA's technical aspirations. The burgeoning commercial and private space industry, growing at 7% CAGR from today’s $330 billion to $755 billion by 2035, is also driving innovation and necessitating a significant advancement in space computing.
Essential Characteristics of Next-Generation Space Processors
The microprocessor unit (MPU) is central to computational power. Next-generation space processors must meet a set of requirements that surpass the capabilities of legacy space processors. Download our white paper to learn about these requirements:
Superior computational and autonomous capabilities to handle extended missions with intricate objectives.
High-speed and advanced CPU connectivity to process large-scale real-time sensor data.
Robust security measures to safeguard against both physical, cyber and quantum computer threats.
Exceptional fault tolerance to ensure mission resilience and reliability.
Compatibility with open-source software to streamline software development processes.
PIC64-HPSC—The Gamechanger and Future of Space Computing
Designed to meet and exceed the above requirements and challenges, the PIC64-HPSC MPUs are developed for both government space agencies and commercial sectors with a variety of capabilities, many of which were not previously available for space computing applications:
Eight 64-bit RISC-V® CPU cores support virtualization, real-time operation and vector extensions for implementing AI/ML processing.
High-speed network capabilities include a 240 Gbps TSN Ethernet switch along with PCIe® Gen 3 and Compute Express Link® (CXL®) 2.0 in x4 or x8 configurations.
Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA) over Converged Ethernet (RoCEv2) hardware accelerators to facilitate low-latency data transfers from remote sensors without burdening CPU performance.
Defense-in-depth security with support for post-quantum cryptography, secure boot and anti-tamper features.
Robust fault-tolerance features such as Dual-Core Lockstep (DCLS) operation, the WorldGuard hardware architecture for end-to-end partitioning and isolation, and an on-board system controller for fault monitoring and mitigation.
Ushering in a groundbreaking era in the realm of space computing, the PIC64-HPSC MPUs are gamechangers to serve a broad aerospace and defense customer base and are adept for using in a variety of applications ranging from the intelligent edge of near-earth networks to Mars and beyond.
Tao Lang, Aug 6, 2024
Tags/Keywords: Aero-Defense
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