29-05-2024 | Microchip Technology | Semiconductors
Microchip Technology has announced the SAMD21RT, a radiation-tolerant (RT) Arm Cortex-M0+ based 32-bit MCU in a 64-pin ceramic and plastic package with 128KB Flash and 16KB SRAM.
Designed for space-constrained applications where size and weight are critical, the device has a small footprint of 10mm × 10mm. Running at up to 48MHz, it provides high-performance processing for harsh environments. The device integrates analog functions, including an ADC with up to 20 channels, a DAC, and analog comparators.
The device builds on the company's existing family of SAMD21 MCUs, which is widely used in industrial and automotive markets. It is also based on COTS devices, significantly simplifying the design process when transitioning to a radiation-tolerant device as the design remains pinout compatible. The company offers a comprehensive system solution for space applications with many devices designed around the MCU, including FPGAs, power and discrete devices, memory products, communication interfaces and oscillators, providing a wide range of options across qualification levels.
To withstand harsh environments, including radiation and extreme temperatures, the device can operate in temperatures ranging from −40C to 125C and provides a high level of radiation tolerance with a Total Ionizing Dose (TID) capability up to 50krad and Single Event Latch-up (SEL) immunity up to 78MeV.cm²/mg.
"The advantage of working with Microchip is that we have the history, knowledge and capability to do the design and testing in house for our radiation-tolerant and radiation-hardened devices," said Bob Vampola, vice president of Microchip's aerospace and defense business unit. "We continue to bring newer technologies like Ethernet, AI and ML, which have evolved in the commercial and industrial markets and improve them with radiation performance to meet the needs of space missions. We also continue to provide higher computing performance and integration of newer technologies into smaller packages, reducing weight and size."
The low-power device features idle and standby sleep modes and sleepwalking peripherals. Other peripherals include a 12-channel DMAC, a 12-channel event system, various Timer/Counters for Control (TCC), a 32-bit Real Time Counter (RTC), a Watchdog Timer (WDT) and a USB 2.0 interface. Communication options include Serial Communication (SERCOM), I2C, SPI and LIN.
