Microchip has introduced a radiation-resistant 32-bit MCU based on Arm Cortex-M0+

     Microchip Technology announced the SAMD21RT, a radiation-resistant 32-bit MCU based on Arm Cortex-M0+ in a 64-pin ceramic and plastic package with 128KB of flash memory and 16KB of SRAM. The device is designed for space-constrained applications where size and weight are critical, and the footprint is small at 10mm x 10mm. It operates at frequencies up to 48MHz, providing high-performance handling for harsh environments. The device integrates analog capabilities, including an ADC with up to 20 channels, a DAC and analog comparator.

     The device is based on the company's existing SAMD21 mcu family, which is widely used in industrial and automotive markets. It is also based on COTS devices and significantly simplifies the design process when transitioning to radiation-resistant devices because the design remains pin-compatible. The company offers comprehensive system solutions for space applications, designing many devices around MCUS, including FPgas, power and discrete devices, memory products, communication interfaces and oscillators, with options available at various qualification levels.

     To withstand harsh environments, including radiation and extreme temperatures, the device can operate in a temperature range of -40 ° C to 125 ° C and provides a high level of radiation tolerance with a total ionizing dose (TID) capability of up to 50krad and a single event lock-in (SEL) immunity of up to 78 mev.cm ²/mg.

     "The advantage of working with Microchip is that we have the history, knowledge and capability to design and test our radiation resistant and anti-radiation devices in-house," said Bob Vampola, vice president of Microchip's Aerospace and Defense business unit. "We will continue to introduce new technologies such as Ethernet, artificial intelligence and machine learning that are evolving in the commercial and industrial markets and improve them through radiative performance to meet the needs of space missions." We will also continue to deliver higher computing performance and integrate newer technologies into smaller packages that reduce weight and size."

     Low power devices feature idle and standby sleep modes and sleepwalking peripherals. Other peripherals include 12-channel DMAC, 12-channel event system, various timer/counter control (TCC), 32-bit real-time counter (RTC), Watchdog Timer (WDT), and USB 2.0 interface. Communication options include Serial Communication (SERCOM), I2C, SPI and LIN.