Teledyne e2v quad core ARM Cortex-A72 LS1046-Space processor

Teledyne e2v has launched qualified flight models (FMs) of its advanced, space qualified, quad core Cortex-A72 edge processing platform — the LS1046-Space. Targeting compute-intensive space applications, including high-throughput satellites, data compression, as well as artificial intelligence and imaging, this processor is designed to outperform existing alternatives by a factor of 30x. This addition to Teledyne e2v’s portfolio supports a range of new space applications.

The LS1046-Space processor blends minimal power consumption and extreme data processing, extending edge compute performance to small form factors. It suits deployment in power-constrained Cubesat and Microsatellite platforms requiring an advanced data path design and access to multiple integrated peripherals.

By using the space processor, customers can gain access to a high-performance space-grade, edge computing platform. With its advanced processing capabilities, powerful feature set and ease of use and implementation in Space systems it is an important enabler for artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI and ML). It also suits future, low earth orbit (LEO) operations.

Clocked at up to 1.8 GHz, the space processor delivers 30k DMIPs. Moreover, a 2.1 GT/s, 64-bit DDR4 SDRAM memory controller with embedded 8-bit error corrected code (ECC) is provided, plus a 2 MB L2 cache shared across the four ARM cores. L1 and L2 caches also benefit from ECC-protection, providing in-flight immunity to data corruption.

This processor is also enhanced with a range of embedded interfaces — including 10 Gbit Ethernet, three PCI-Express (PCIe) v.3.0 lanes, SPI, I2C and multiple UARTs. The device is supplied in a compact 23 x 23 mm, 780-ball BGA package.

Qualified for operation in demanding space environments, the space processor features a wide operating temperature range from -55 to 125°C. It also achieves 100 krad total ionising dose tolerance. Furthermore, immunity to single event latch-up (SEL) and upsets (SEU) is being validated in qualification. The product is qualified up to NASA level 1.