Frontgrade Gaisler leads European effort for advanced space semiconductor technology

Frontgrade Gaisler leads European effort for advanced space semiconductor technology
by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) Dec 17, 2024

Under a new contract with the European Space Agency (ESA), Frontgrade Gaisler is spearheading an initiative to secure European leadership in advanced semiconductor technologies for space applications. The program focuses on developing cutting-edge Ultra Deep Sub-Micron (UDSM) nodes, including technology as advanced as 7nm, to support next-generation space missions.

The ESA-backed "EEE Space Component Sovereignty for Europe" program brings together key industry leaders, including imec (Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre vzw) and IMST GmbH. These partners will combine expertise in microprocessor development, semiconductor libraries, and high-speed memory interfaces. The project will also incorporate additional technologies such as high-speed serial interfaces, die-to-die interconnect solutions, and System-in-Package (SiP) concepts to meet increasing space computing demands.

"ESA is proud to support this groundbreaking initiative, which represents a critical step toward European sovereignty in advanced semiconductor technologies for space," said Boris Glass, Technical Officer at ESA. "By investing in Ultra Deep Sub-Micron processes such as 7 nm FinFET CMOS technology, we are ensuring that Europe remains at the forefront of space innovation and autonomy, securing the technology necessary for next-generation space exploration and satellite constellations. This collaboration with Frontgrade Gaisler and its industry partners is essential to meet the growing demands of the space sector and strengthen Europe's capabilities in the global arena."

The consortium's primary goal is to develop radiation-hardened libraries and Intellectual Property (IP) cores as a foundation for UDSM-based integrated circuits. The project will produce an advanced RISC-V microprocessor prototype, designed to withstand space environments while delivering high performance.

Future plans include refining the microprocessor to achieve full functionality, production readiness, and qualification. This development will equip Europe with competitive, autonomous computing capabilities, enabling advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and edge computing solutions for satellite constellations and deep-space exploration missions.

"Frontgrade Gaisler has decades of experience supplying the space sector with advanced semiconductor products, which lends itself well to the work of EEE Space Component Sovereignty for Europe," said Sandi Habinc, General Manager at Frontgrade Gaisler. "Through this program, we're leveraging our expertise - along with the other participants - to advance UDSM technology and to strengthen our position in this industry."

With a long history of innovation, Frontgrade Gaisler is positioned to lead the development of space-grade microprocessor technology. The company's commitment to advancing semiconductor solutions supports new mission capabilities and long-term growth opportunities for the broader space industry.