Microchip Technology Incorporated has launched the first devices in its planned family of PIC64 High-Performance Spaceflight Computing (PIC64-HPSC) microprocessors (MPUs). Unlike previous spaceflight computing solutions, the radiation- and fault-tolerant PIC64-HPSC MPUs, which Microchip is delivering to NASA and the broader defense and commercial aerospace industry, integrate widely adopted RISC-V® CPUs augmented with vector-processing instruction extensions to support Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) applications. The MPUs also feature a suite of features and industry-standard interfaces and protocols not previously available for space applications.

A growing ecosystem of partners is being assembled to expedite the development of integrated system-level solutions. This ecosystem features Single-Board Computers (SBCs), space-grade companion components and a network of open-source and commercial software partners. The Radiation-Hardened (RH) PIC64-HPSC RH is designed to give autonomous missions the local processing power to execute real-time tasks such as rover hazard avoidance on the Moon?s surface, while also enabling long-duration, deep-space missions like Mars expeditions requiring extremely low-power consumption while withstanding harsh space conditions.

For the commercial space sector, the Radiation-Tolerant (RT) PIC64-HPSC RT is designed to meet the needs of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations where system providers must prioritize low cost over longevity, while also providing the high fault tolerance that is vital for round-the-clock service reliability and the cybersecurity of space assets. PIC64-HPSC MPUs offer a variety of capabilities, many of which were not previously available for space computing applications, including: Space-grade 64-bit MPU architecture: Includes eight SiFive® RISC-V X280 64-bit CPU cores supporting virtualization and real-time operation, with vector extensions that can deliver up to 2 TOPS (int8) or 1 TFLOPS (bfloat16) of vector performance for implementing AI/ML processing for autonomous missions. High-speed network connectivity: Includes a 240 Gbps Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) Ethernet switch for 10 GbE connectivity.

Also supports scalable and extensible PCIe® Gen 3 and Compute Express Link® (CXL®) 2.0 with x4 or x8 configurations and includes RMAP-compatible SpaceWire ports with internal routers. Low-latency data transfers: Includes Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA) over Converged Ethernet (RoCEv2) hardware accelerators to facilitate low-latency data transfers from remote sensors without burdening compute performance, which maximizes compute capabilities by bringing data close to the CPU. Platform-level defense-grade security: Implements defense-in-depth security with support for post-quantum cryptography and anti-tamper features.

High fault-tolerance capabilities: Supports Dual-Core Lockstep (DCLS) operation, WorldGuard hardware architecture for end-to-end partitioning and isolation, and an on-board system controller for fault monitoring and mitigation. Flexible power tuning: Includes dynamic controls to balance the computational demands required by the multiple phases of space missions with tailored activation of functions and interfaces. Microchip?s inaugural PIC64-HPSC MPUs were launched in tandem with the company?s PIC64GX MPUs that enable intelligent edge designs in the industrial, automotive, communications, IoT, aerospace and defense segments.

With the launch of its PIC64GX MPU family, Microchip has become the only embedded solutions provider actively developing a full spectrum of 8-, 16-, 32- and 64-bit solutions. Microchip has a broad portfolio of solutions designed for the aerospace and defense market including processing with Radiation-Tolerant (RT) and Radiation-Hardened (RH) MCUs, FPGAs and Ethernet PHYs, power devices, RF products, timing, as well as discrete components from bare die to system modules. Additionally, Microchip offers a wide range of components on the Quality Products List (QPL) to better serve its customers.

Pricing and Availability: PIC64-HPSC samples will be available to Microchip?s early access partners in 2025.