DRAM for Space Computing

Future military and commercial space systems require increased computing resources including volatile random access memory. COTS memory devices hold significant density advantages over radiation hardened memory devices. However, the space environment, especially high energy ions, make the implementation of COTS hardware difficult and this will continue to worsen as COTS memory densities continue to increase. Our Phase I proposal makes use of the COTS memory devices and commercial processes to enable the use of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) in space computers. To accomplish this we propose a two-pronged effort: the development of a COTS radiation tolerant memory module and the concept of a radiation hardened DRAM device for a commercial foundry. These Phase I efforts will lead to Phase II prototype lot fabrications and testing at an expense much lower than a traditional radiation hardened device development.