2017.B.4.3. Radiation Hardened ARM Cortex-M0 Microcontroller for CubeSats / SmallSats

Author(s)

Ross Bannatyne (1)

VORAGO Technologies, United States of America

Session

B.4

Keywords

mcu, microcontroller, rad-hard, radiation hardened, hardsil

Abstract

VORAGO Technologies has developed HARDSIL technology that hardens standard CMOS devices against latch-up and enables a high level of Total Ionizing Dose (TID) tolerance. This technology has been proven across several CMOS devices from different fabs and technology nodes.

This paper will discuss how HARDSIL immunizes against latch-up and will detail the additional complimentary radiation mitigating features of the VA10820 microcontroller.

Because CMOS technology is used, it is possible to implement a fully radiation hardened solution at a cost level that is competitive with up-screening COTS devices. This is an important consideration for CubeSat / SmallSat programs that usually have an extremely challenging development budget.

By including a rad-hard processor as the OBC or as a watchdog / safety monitor for the rest of the system (that may include many non rad-hard devices), it is possible to reduce the risk of the electronic systems succumbing to radiation effects during a mission. This is becoming more important as CubeSats are expected to be functional for longer, operate in more challenging conditions and be equipped to be properly decommissioned.