64MB+ Radiation-Hardened, Non-Volatile Memory for Space

ABSTRACT: High density radiation-hardened non-volatile memory continues to be a limiting factor in the design of systems for use in space environments. Non-volatile memories can support a number of storage applications, such as CPU configuration, flight control systems, flight data recording, image capture, store and forward communications and the list goes on. A high density non-volatile memory with strategic radiation characteristics could replace other technologies such as volatile (SRAM, DRAM) solid state memories as well as slow hard disk drives. If aggressive density and performance goals could be delivered in a solid state memory, systems designers could add significant processing and storage capabilities without sacrificing space, weight or power consumption. To date, no multi-megabyte solution has been developed capable of meeting the needs of extended space operation. The goal of this project is to develop and deliver a high density non-volatile memory capable of supporting a wide range of applications in space. Targeted applications include configuration/program memory for CPUs and FPGAs, non-volatile backup for volatile working memory, flight control systems (autopilot), image capture and processing, communications data buffers, and mass storage replacement for electro-mechanical disk storage. BENEFIT: Delivery of high density radiation-hardened non-volatile memory allows systems designers to add capabilities for data processing and data storage not previously possible. High density solid state storage supports high speed memory accesses while providing improved data integrity. Power consumption, reliability and footprint will be improved compared to current electro-mechanical solutions.