Space-grade NOR flash for FPGA configuration

Infineon Technologies has introduced a radiation-hardened 512Mbit QSPI NOR flash memory for space applications and other extreme environments.

Infineon 512Mbit nor flash for space QFP-68

“The device offers a 133MHz quad serial peripheral interface and the highest density, radiation and single-event effects performance available in a QML-qualified non-volatile memory for use with space-grade FPGAs and microprocessors,” claimed the company.

To puts some numbers on these radiation claims, the figures are 300 krad(Si) total ionising dose (TID), >80MeV.cm2/mg single  event latch-up (linear energy transfer at 125°C), <2.77e-5 err/dev.day single event functional interrupt, and immunity from single event upset (SEE).


“The device offers the highest density TID/SEE performance combination for space FPGA boot code solutions, and the QML-V/P with DLAM certification meets the most stringent industry qualifications,” according to Infineon. It “is based on Infineon’s SONOS [silicon-oxide nitride-oxide-silicon) charge gate trap technology with endurance of up to 10,000 programme-erase cycles and up to 10 years of data retention. A ceramic QFP QML-V package occupies 1 x 1in board area, and a smaller footprint plastic TQFP QML-P 0.5 x 0.8in is available.”


The parts, as far as Electronics Weekly can determine, are:

Qualification Package
CYRS17B512-133AZMB Infineon in-house 100pad
plastic
TQFP
CYPT… For prototypes
5962F2122201PXE DLAM QML-P
CYRS17B512-133UZMB Infineon in-house 68pad
ceramic
CQFP
CYPT… For prototypes
5962F2122202VYC DLAM QML-V

This table was has been compiled from several Infineon documents and may contain errors – clarification has been requested.

Operation is from 3 or 3.3V supply (2.97 V to 3.63 V), and IO can be at the same voltage or at a nominal 1.8V (1.71 to 1.89V). Operation is also over –55 to +125°C.

The memory was jointly developed with Micro-RDC, and part funded by the US Air Force Research Laboratory

A typical use case for this device includes configuration image storage for space-grade FPGAs and standalone boot code storage for space grade multi-core processors.

 

Steve Bush

Steve Bush is the long-standing technology editor for Electronics Weekly, covering electronics developments for more than 25 years. He has a particular interest in the Power and Embedded areas of the industry. He also writes for the Engineer In Wonderland blog, covering 3D printing, CNC machines and miscellaneous other engineering matters.

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