512MBit QSPI NOR Flash now qualified for satellite applications

Infineon Technologies AG has announced that its radiation-hardened 512Mbit QSPI NOR Flash memory for space and extreme environment applications has received the QML-V and QML-P qualification of the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime (DLAM). The QML certification is the highest reliability standard for microcircuits awarded by the U.S. government and indicates that the device will perform reliably under the most challenging conditions. This makes the memory device the first and only QML-qualified radiation-hardened NOR flash memory for the space industry. The flash memory features a fast 133MHz QSPI and the highest density, radiation and SEE performance available in a fully QML-qualified, non-volatile memory for use with space-qualified FPGAs and multi-core processors.

"The introduction of our first QML-P certified product is further testament to our commitment to deliver highly reliable and high-performance memories for next-generation space requirements," said Helmut Puchner, Vice President, Fellow, Aerospace and Defense, Infineon Technologies. "Our in-house developed SONOS technology is an ideal solution for radiation and power-limited environments. Further higher density NOR Flash products, as well as AI/ML targeted compute-in-memory solutions, are already in progress to further utilize our SONOS technology in these highly critical satellite applications."

The device employs the company's proven SONOS technology, which combines high density and speed with excellent radiation performance. With this, the device operates up to 30% faster than lower density alternatives. The technology also enables a lifespan of up to 10,000 P/E cycles and data retention for up to ten years. Also, the 133MHz QSPI interface provides fast data transfer rates for space-grade FPGAs and processors. A ceramic QFP package (QML-V) occupies a 1" x 1" board area, and an even smaller plastic TQFP package (QML-P) with a 0.5" x 0.8" footprint is also available. In addition, the device offers the highest density and TID/SEE performance for space FPGA and multi-core processor boot code solutions, and the QML-V/P with DLAM certification meets the most stringent industry qualifications. With all these features, the device is particularly suited to storing configuration images for space-grade FPGAs and for standalone boot code storage for space-qualified multi-core processors.