White Paper: Designing A Single Board Computer For Space Using The Most Advanced Processor and Mitigation Technologies
By Larry Longden, Chad Thibodeau, Robert Hillman, Phil Layton and Michael Dowd
Maxwell Technologies Microelectronics
Abstract
As high-end computing becomes more of a necessity in space, there currently exists a large gap between what is available to satellite manufacturers and the state of the commercial processor industry. As a result, Maxwell Technologies has developed a Super Computer for Space that utilizes the latest commercial Silicon-on-Insulator PowerPC processors and state-of-the-art memory modules to achieve space-qualified performance that is from 10 to 1000 times that of current technology. In addition, Maxwell's Super Computer for Space (SCS750) SBC is capable of executing up to 1800+ millions of instruction per second (MIPS), while guaranteeing upset rates for the entire board of less then 1 every 1000 years. Presented is a brief synopsis of Maxwell's design approach and radiation mitigation techniques and radiation test results employed on Maxwell's next generation SBC.
Introduction
A. Design Philosophy
At the beginning of 2001, Maxwell defined a new overall product strategy that embodied the true core competencies of the Microelectronics division. This strategy encompasses a triad of three core principles: Guaranteed Supply, Highest Performance, and Radiation Guarantee. As it applies to Maxwell's single board computer product line, the words have been modified slightly to: Guaranteed Upgrade Path, Space-Qualified Performance, and Radiation Guarantee.
B. Functional Description
Initially, Maxwell leveraged its radiation-hardened product line to build a few single board computer products based upon a set of standard processor architectures. Following a new product strategy of offering the highest performance products for space, Maxwell embarked on a goal of developing a "next-generation" superior single board computer. The trick was to use a processor that was not a generation behind the latest commercial processor, but rather use the latest commercial processor, while offering radiation tolerance that equaled or exceeded that of the customer's needs....
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