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Microchip Achieves Key Program Milestones for its PIC64-HPSC Spaceflight Computing Series

MCHP
  • Microchip Technology announced milestones for its PIC64-HPSC High-Performance Spaceflight Computing Series, a 64-bit multicore RISC-V platform designed for spacecraft & mission-critical systems.
  • Early radiation characterization of the PIC64-HPSC1000-RH variant demonstrated a Total Ionizing Dose (TID) performance of 200 krad(Si) & successful Single Event Latch-up (SEL) testing to 78.2 MeV·cm²/mg.
  • Testing confirmed robust system-controller operation during Single Event Effects (SEE) characterization with no uncorrected errors or external resets.
  • The platform supports future spaceflight systems ranging from Low Earth Orbit to the Moon, Mars, & beyond.
  • The Early Access Program allows customers to evaluate silicon & development kits while receiving software, tools, & direct engineering assistance from Microchip.
  • A growing ecosystem of board partners is developing PIC64-HPSC-based VPX & VNX+ computing platforms to facilitate integration.
  • Initial silicon performance meets objectives for compute-intensive workloads including onboard autonomy, high-performance payload processing, Earth observation, secure communications, spacecraft control, scientific exploration, & edge AI.
  • Advanced onboard processing reduces dependence on communications bandwidth, shortens decision-making latency, & enables rapid responses to mission changes.
  • NASA's FY26 Civil Space Shortfall Prioritization ranked advanced onboard computing for space operations as the third-highest technology shortfall.
  • The 64-bit multicore RISC-V architecture supports open & scalable models for onboard autonomy, software-defined spacecraft, distributed processing, deterministic communications, & heterogeneous computing.
  • The HPSC program originated from a NASA & JPL assessment of future computing requirements, with the contract awarded to Microchip in 2022.
  • Evaluation & development kits are currently available to select customers through Microchip sales representatives.