CAES Collaborates with Lattice Semiconductor to Provide Radiation-Tolerant FPGAs for Distributed Satellite Computing Applications

Rhea-AI Summary

Lattice Semiconductor (NASDAQ: LSCC) and CAES have teamed up to launch radiation-tolerant FPGAs, the Certus™-NX-RT and CertusPro™-NX-RT, aimed at enhancing satellite constellations. Built on the Lattice Nexus™ platform, these FPGAs are designed for size, weight, power, and cost constraints, consuming up to four times less power than similar devices. This collaboration addresses the increasing demand for reprogrammable devices in satellite technology, paving the way for more affordable and effective solutions in low-earth orbit satellites.

Positive

• Collaboration with CAES enhances Lattice's capabilities in space applications.
• Certus-NX-RT FPGAs consume up to four times less power than competitors.
• Addresses demand for reprogrammable devices in satellite networks.

Negative

• None.

- New Certus™-NX-RT and CertusPro™-NX-RT FPGAs Meet Demanding Size, Weight, Power and Cost Constraints of Emerging Satellite Constellation Networks

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- CAES, a leading provider of mission critical electronics for aerospace and defense, and Lattice Semiconductor Corporation (NASDAQ: LSCC), the low power programmable FPGA leader, announce today an agreement whereby CAES will qualify and sell radiation-tolerant Lattice FPGAs for space and satellite applications. The collaboration will allow CAES to provide next generation on-orbit reconfigurable processing systems for future satellite constellations.

CAES Certus-NX-RT FPGA (Photo: Business Wire)

The Certus™-NX-RT and CertusPro™-NX-RT FPGAs are built on the award-winning Lattice Nexus™ platform delivering class-leading small form factor, system bandwidth and power efficiency – consuming up to four times less power in comparison with similar devices. The 28nm devices feature temperature-resistant tin-lead (SnPb) terminations using a radiation-tolerant, fully-depleted silicon-on-insulator (FD-SOI) manufacturing process. Leveraging over four decades of space heritage and leading radiation hardened microelectronics expertise, CAES will qualify Lattice’s Certus-NX and CertusPro-NX FPGAs for radiation assurance and provide single-lot traceability and long-term supply.

The collaboration addresses the growing demand for reprogrammable, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) programmable devices in satellite networks that require a high degree of redundancy and radiation tolerance.

“The space industry realizes that it can no longer rely solely on proprietary technology if it’s going to meet the growing affordability needs of satellites deployed in low- earth orbits,” said David Young, Chief Technology Officer, CAES. “Our collaboration with Lattice will promote the development of open, scalable, upgradable architectures that are compatible and affordable.”

“We are pleased to collaborate with CAES, a leading industry expert in space applications, to make it easier than ever for the space industry to achieve their design objectives with our low power, high system bandwidth, small form factor FPGAs that support satellite constellation networks,” said Esam Elashmawi, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer, Lattice Semiconductor. “With our scalable Certus-NX and CertusPro-NX FPGA families and CAES’ deep industry expertise, we are accelerating the adoption of new architectures ideally suited for the evolving processing needs of today’s space applications.”

To complement this new addition to its space product portfolio and help expedite the design process, CAES experts will provide software programming and design support throughout the product development process. CAES also offers pre-engineered IP building blocks and development tools including Lattice Radiant^® design software, which enable large, complex designs to be implemented efficiently and adds support for popular logic synthesis tools. CAES is actively developing a port of its proven GRLIB development environment and a library of configurable, standardized soft IP design cores to further support customer needs as they integrate these FPGAs into their designs.

“Keeping pace with the rapidly evolving space environment requires access to the latest commercial technology,” said Andrew Foor, Chief Technologist, Trusted Space Solutions, General Dynamics Mission Systems. “Lattice and CAES are addressing the space SwaP-C challenges with a power efficient FPGA based on FD-SOI. This collaboration is an example of the innovation needed to develop cutting edge solutions that meet demanding size, weight, power and cost constraints of next generation space missions.”

The production release of Radiant tools are available starting in the first quarter of 2022 with Certus-NX-RT FPGA samples planned for early second quarter of 2022 and Certus-Pro-NX-RT FPGA samples planned for the third quarter of 2022. For more information, please visit https://caes.com/fpga.

About Lattice Semiconductor

Lattice Semiconductor (NASDAQ: LSCC) is the low power programmable leader. We solve customer problems across the network, from the Edge to the Cloud, in the growing Communications, Computing, Industrial, Automotive, and Consumer markets. Our technology, long-standing relationships, and commitment to world-class support let our customers quickly and easily unleash their innovation to create a smart, secure, and connected world.

For more information about Lattice, please visit www.latticesemi.com. You can also follow us via LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, WeChat, Weibo or Youku.

About CAES

CAES is a pioneer of advanced electronics for the most technologically challenging military and aerospace trusted systems. As the largest provider of mixed-signal and radiation-hardened technology to the United States aerospace and defense industry, CAES delivers high-reliability RF, microwave and millimeter wave, microelectronic and digital solutions that enable our customers to ensure a safer, more secure planet. On land, at sea, in the air, in space and in cyberspace, CAES’ extensive electronics and enhanced manufacturing capabilities are at the forefront of mission-critical military and aerospace innovation. www.caes.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220131005092/en/

Press:

Colleen Cronin

CAES

Colleen.cronin@caes.com

Source: CAES

FAQ

What is the significance of the collaboration between Lattice Semiconductor and CAES?

The collaboration allows CAES to qualify and sell radiation-tolerant FPGAs for satellite applications, enhancing reconfigurability and efficiency.

What are Certus™-NX-RT and CertusPro™-NX-RT FPGAs used for?

These FPGAs are designed for space applications, meeting the size, weight, power, and cost constraints of modern satellite networks.

When are the Certus-NX-RT FPGA samples expected to be available?

Samples of the Certus-NX-RT FPGAs are planned for early Q2 2022.

What advantages do Lattice FPGAs have over competitors?

Lattice's FPGAs consume significantly less power, with a reported consumption of up to four times less compared to similar devices.

How does this technology support satellite constellations?

It provides the necessary redundancy and radiation tolerance required for effective operation in space environments.