What microprocessors are Space Proof ?

[Mazin Debe]

Posted on January 31, 2018 at 07:26

I am looking to use a microprocessor for space applications. I have looked to STM32F207xx family with the ARM 32-bit Cortex-M3 core and it has an appropriate operating temperature. Can you provide me with any documentation to prove its space tolerance or any other microprocessor. Please note that I will not be using the entire micro-controller in space, just the microprocessor. 

[T J]

Posted on January 31, 2018 at 12:05

You would have to talk to your local ST field engineer.

there are temperature and cosmic radiation issues.

with enough cosmic energy from one particle, a Ram or Flash fetch may become corrupted and so a normal processor wont be able to function more than a few seconds.

You can use a metal shield, then you have weight and temperature issues.

generally, if you slow the processor down enough , you should be able to reduce the effects to almost workable.

I guess the space vehicle has some milder temperatures in the payload area.. and a metal shield,

the processor will function over 100C if you slow it down,

they make ceramic parts for space work, to reduce the thermal expansions and contractions ripping bond wires off the die.

[Mazin Debe]

Posted on January 31, 2018 at 12:51

Thanks for your reply

Marsh.Nick

‌.

There is no ST branch in my area. Can you provide any means of communication with said engineers?

Thank you

[Tesla DeLorean]

Posted on January 31, 2018 at 15:19

Do you represent a commercial entity or are you a student?

Really not sure the CM3 is space rated, and I don't see the STM32F2 being well suited.

Have you looked at the ESA's LEON Sparc core?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LEON

 

[Szymon PANECKI]

Posted on January 31, 2018 at 15:49

Hello,

Marsh.Nick

provided very important remark, thanks for that. In order to use MCU in space applications many requirements have to be fulfilled. Temperature range is only on of them. Additional one is a robustness for radiation. I am afraid that STM32 MCUs were not qualified for such demanding applications.

Please take a look on

http://www.voragotech.com/products/VA10820

device (Cortex-M0 based Flash-less MCU). Maybe it can be interesting for you.

Regards

Szymon

[Nandan PAL]

Posted on February 01, 2018 at 18:36

Hi there,

ST does have a different product family based on power architecture (PowerPC) which is radiation proof, automotive grade AEC-Q100 certified, ISO-26262 compliant, has in-built ECSM (Error Correction Status Module) to take care of Flash/ RAM single-bit error detection/ correction. Please look for SPC564L/ SPC56EL parts. Hope this helps.

thanks,

Nandan

[Salavat Magazov]

Posted on February 01, 2018 at 22:03

You need to search for

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=rad+hard+processor

.

[john doe]

Posted on February 02, 2018 at 02:34

oh please. if an atmega can do it, so can an stm32. only one way to find out!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ArduSat#ArduSat-1_&_ArduSat-X