Issue #4(30) 2021 Astronautics

FPGA computing reaches new heights

David Miller Alpha Data Parallel Systems, Edinburgh, UK
Andrew McCormick Alpha Data Parallel Systems, Edinburgh, UK

Field-programmable gate array (FPGA) circuits have been used in space applications for many years, including on multiple Mars rover missions. Here, the authors describe the many advantages of FPGAs and some of their applications in the space industry.

As their name suggests, field-programmable gate array (FPGA) circuits are designed to be reprogrammable ‘in the field’, rather than having their functions ‘fixed’ once and for all at the point of manufacture.

The reconfigurable nature of FPGAs at a hardware level allows for the implementation of redundancy and radiation tolerance, which is of significant importance in space applications. It also allows for efficient hardware design, time sharing of logic depending on the current function required, future upgrades, and the ability to reset and recover from faults by scrubbing the circuit. FPGAs also have a low power consumption, making them an ideal solution for a wide range of markets from image processing to medical applications and wireless communications.

If you already have a login and password to access www.room.eu.com - Please log in to be able to read all the articles of the site.

Popular articles

See also

Lounge

A matter of perspective

Science

LISA Pathfinder – paving the way for future studies of the gravitational universe

Security

Space-based cybersecurity challenges for NATO

Popular articles

Since the 1970s Sabelt has enjoyed a very successful partnerships with Ferrari, born from the common passion in motorsport – it includes Formula 1 seatbelts, Ferrari GT activities with FIA homologated seats, seatbelts and racewear. Astronautics

Strapped for success - from racetrack to orbit

The Malbusca launch site (36°55’57” N, 25°04’12” W) on Santa Maria, Azores. Astronautics

Azores rising – Portugal’s Atlantic outpost vying to become space gateway