Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) for Space-based Applications

The use of GPUs in space is desirable as they provide means to boost the performance of CPU-based computers in a spacecraft. This will enable the processing of raw sensing data on-board, reducing significantly the amount of data that needs to be transmitted to the ground. This represents savings in power and radio link bandwidth/complexity. Unfortunately, as all microelectronics, modern GPUs are susceptible to radiation effects. The small feature size modern GPUs are built on makes them impervious to total ionization dose related effects. However, they are susceptible to SEU induced errors as shown in test data published by NASA and others. We propose to increase modern COTs GPUs resiliency to radiation effects by using carefully targeted heavy materials (e.g tungsten-alloy) to shield vulnerable parts without significantly increasing weight. Radiation testing of this first prototype would yield valuable information on the architecture’s vulnerabilities that can be used in the development of a new radiation hardened by design GPU. In the Phase 1 effort IDEAS-TEK will select a COTs GPU, build a shielded prototype and test it, using lessons learned to define the specification of a new rad-hard ASIC to be built in Phase 2. Approved for Public Release | 18-MDA-9817 (23 Oct 18)