Space Applications

Hardware being deployed into space, such as satellites, will need to be able to cope with the rigors of launch. The component parts specified must therefore exhibit high degrees of physical robustness - so they are not damaged when subjected to intense shocks or vibrational activity.

Likewise, there are also certain to be size, weight and power (SWaP) limitations needing to be taken into account. Semiconductor solutions that are compact, lightweight and energy efficient should therefore be sourced. Resilience to extreme temperatures is another important attribute. In the vacuum of space, heat dissipation relies on radiant rather than conductive mechanisms. As a result, it is essential that all devices specified can cope with this situation accordingly.

In space deployments, measures need to be taken to mitigate the impact of cosmic radiation. Firstly, engineers must consider single event issues. In some cases (like latch-ups, transients, functional errors, etc.), these can be resolved through a system reboot, while in others they may unfortunately have non-recoverable outcomes (such as hardware burnout). Secondly, there is the total ionizing dosage (TID) issue to be aware of. This will have a detrimental effect on the long-term performance of electronic circuitry, with a shortening the operational lifespan resulting. Use of radiation-tolerant or radiation-hardened technology will therefore be required.

By leveraging the commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components available from key manufacturing partners, then applying stringent regimes to these items in order to qualify them for space deployment, Teledyne e2v has become a leading supplier of advanced semiconductor technology in this sector.

Rather than looking at the small number of device options available that are designed specifically for space usage, customers have access to a greater array of possible devices, which have been driven by larger volume applications. Teledyne e2v’s screened space-grade processors feature the latest highly sophisticated Arm-based processor cores and are capable of delivering elevated performance benchmarks. Complementing the processor portfolio, our data converters are pivotal in direct digital sampling at microwave frequencies. This eliminates the inconvenience of including frequency down conversion subsystems, thereby lowering component count and saving valuable board real estate.

By specifying Teledyne e2v processors, customers will benefit from markedly reduced price points compared to what they would if they had chosen purpose-built space solutions. Via our data converters, they will gain access to devices that offer unique RF sampling capabilities, while our memory products have exceptional endurance characteristics. The company has AS/EN 9100 certification, which assures the highest levels of quality are always maintained.

In connection with the Space flow comparison chart, document NE 60S 220869 defines the different models typically used in space projects, such as Engineering Models, Engineering Quality Models or Flight Models.

In order to clarify as much as possible the rules of Teledyne e2v part number codification, this document summarizes the link between quality level (industrial, military and space) and our parts number codification

To guarantee the uniqueness of the information, our documentation (datasheet, offer proposal, application notes…) mentions this document as definition reference.

Click to download our: "Space Quality Levels, definitions and application" Document>>

If you wish to learn more about the tests performed during manufacturing phase, please download our document “What is behind our Qualification Tests?”

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