Microchip Technology Unveils Radiation-Resistant Microcontroller for Aerospace and Defense Use
Microchip Technology Launches SAMD21RT: Radiation-Tolerant MCU for Demanding Space Applications
BonChip Electronics, a trusted distributor of Microchip Technology products, is excited to announce the availability of the new SAMD21RT microcontroller (MCU). This innovative device from Microchip addresses the growing need for reliable and high-performance electronics in the harsh environment of space.
Ideal for Space Exploration and Beyond
The SAMD21RT is a radiation-tolerant (RT) Arm Cortex-M0+ based 32-bit MCU specifically designed for space applications. With the increasing focus on space exploration, missions like Artemis II and private ventures in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) require robust electronic components that can withstand extreme conditions. The SAMD21RT is perfectly suited for these demanding environments:
- Radiation Tolerance: The SAMD21RT boasts exceptional radiation tolerance, withstanding Total Ionizing Dose (TID) levels up to 50 krad and Single Event Latch-up (SEL) immunity up to 78 MeV.cm²/mg. This ensures reliable operation even in the face of radiation exposure in space.
- Extreme Temperature Performance: The SAMD21RT operates flawlessly in a wide temperature range of -40°C to 125°C, making it adaptable to the vast temperature fluctuations experienced in space.
- Compact Design: Available in a small 10 mm x 10 mm footprint, the SAMD21RT minimizes size and weight, crucial considerations for space-constrained applications on satellites and spacecraft.
Built for Performance and Ease of Use
The SAMD21RT delivers exceptional performance for spaceborne applications:
- High-Performance Processing: Running at up to 48 MHz, the SAMD21RT provides the processing power needed for demanding spaceborne tasks.
- Integrated Analog Functions: The SAMD21RT incorporates an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) with up to 20 channels, a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC), and analog comparators, offering versatility for various analog signal processing needs.
- Simplified Design Process: Based on Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) devices and pinout-compatible with existing SAMD21 MCUs, the SAMD21RT simplifies the design process for engineers transitioning to a radiation-tolerant solution.
Comprehensive System Solutions from Microchip
Microchip offers a complete ecosystem of space-qualified components that seamlessly integrate with the SAMD21RT MCU. This includes:
- FPGAs
- Power and discrete devices
- Memory products
- Communication interfaces
- Oscillators
This comprehensive offering provides designers with a broad range of options across various qualification levels to meet the specific needs of their space applications.
Legacy of Innovation in Space Exploration
Microchip has a rich history of providing reliable electronics for space exploration, with tens of thousands of their parts currently orbiting Earth. Their commitment to space exploration continues:
- New Technologies for Space: Microchip actively incorporates advanced technologies like Ethernet, AI, and ML into their space-qualified products, ensuring cutting-edge capabilities for future missions.
- Smaller, More Powerful MCUs: Microchip prioritizes miniaturization and increased processing power, offering smaller packages that reduce weight and size constraints for spacecraft.
BonChip Electronics: Your Partner in Space-Qualified Solutions
As a leading distributor of Microchip products, BonChip Electronics offers the SAMD21RT MCU and a comprehensive selection of space-qualified components from Microchip. Our team of experts can assist you in selecting the ideal components for your space application and ensure compatibility within your system design. We offer:
- Technical expertise: Our team possesses in-depth knowledge of space-qualified electronics and can guide you through the selection process.
- Streamlined ordering: We offer a user-friendly online platform for easy ordering and fast delivery.
- Ongoing support: Our team is readily available to answer any technical questions you may have throughout your design and development process.
Contact BonChip Electronics today to explore how the SAMD21RT MCU and Microchip's space-qualified solutions can empower your next mission and propel space exploration forward.
