PROGRAMMABLE TECHNOLOGIES WEB SITE

A scientific study of the problems of digital engineering for space flight systems,
with a view to their practical solution.

 

Application of Field Programmable Gate Arrays to Space Projects

Kenichi Chiba, Yasuo Sakaide
Tsukuba Test Labs, Engineering Dept.
High-Reliability Components Corporation (HIREC)
No.5 Yoshimura Bldg., 3-6-7 Higashi-Arai, Tsukuba-shi, IBARAKI, 305, JAPAN
Phone: (+81) 298-58-2776 Fax: (+81) 298-58-2785
e-mail: chiba@tk.hirectk.co.jp

Satoshi Kuboyama, Kenji Sugimoto
Engineering Department
High-Reliability Components Corporation (HIREC)
Shuwa No.3 Shiba-Park Bldg., 2-10-12 Shiba-Daimon, Minato-ku, TOKYO, 105, JAPAN
Phone: (+81) 3-3434-9557 Fax: (+81) 3-3435-9592

Abstract

Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) which are designed for ground usage will be applied in several space projects. HIREC performed an ionizing radiation test for Actel's anti-fuse type non-radiation hardened FPGA, A1280A, to demonstrate an applicability of the FPGA for space projects. We performed the test with low dose rate similar to the prevent an excessive trapped hole effect.

Table of Contents

    1. Introduction
    2. Experiments
    3. Results and Discussion
    4. Conclusion
    5. References

List of Figures

Figure 1. IDD vs. time (during irradiation on high dose rate) R. Katz et al., IEEE Trans. Nucl. Sci., NS-41, No.6, 2179 (1994)

Figure 2. IDD (total of 5 pcs. samples) vs. total dose (during irradiation on low dose rate)

Figure 3. IDD (total of 5 pc. samples) vs. time (during annealing)

Figure 4. IDD vs. time (irradiate-anneal curve)

List of Tables

Table 1. Test Conditions

Table 2. Summary of Electrical Measurement

Conclusions

Actel's anti-fuse type non-radiation hardened FPGA, A1280A were evaluated with low dose rate irradiation and consecutive annealing test for 1000 hours. We proved the applicability of the FPGA for the 1 year low earth orbit space projects. Also, the evaluation technique successfully estimated the quantitative response at the end of mission. The technique will be widely used for non-radiation or low-radiation tolerant devices to realize the low cost/high performance space systems.

Home
Last Revised January 09, 2002
Digital Engineering Institute
Web Designer: Richard Katz