Gaisler to build 7nm RISC-V chip for space
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Frontgrade Gaisler in Sweden has signed a deal with the European Space Agency (ESA) to build a 7nm rad hard chip for space systems using the RISC-V architecture.
The EEE Space Component Sovereignty for Europe programme will see Frontgrade Gaisler working with Belgian process technology expert imec and IMST in Germany on high-performance microprocessors, advanced semiconductor libraries, and high-speed memory interfaces.
Frontgrade was formerly Cobham Advanced Electronic Solutions (CAES) Space Systems until it was bought by private equity firm Veritas Capital in 2023 and includes the Cobham Gaisler space business.
The consortium’s initial focus is to establish radiation-hardened libraries and Intellectual Property (IP) cores that will serve as the foundation for highly reliable and efficient chips down to 7nm. This will be used for a RISC-V microprocessor prototype will be developed and tested for performance and radiation.
The project will incorporate additional state-of-the-art technologies from adjacent developments and partners, including high-speed serial interfaces, die-to-die interconnect, and System-in-Package concepts.
Now called Frontgrade Gaisler, the company has also licensed the Akida neuromorphic AI IP from Brainchip for a space-grade, fault-tolerant system-on-chip. NASA has also been working with the the Brainchip IP for space systems.
This commercial license agreement paves the path forward for AI chips to be deployed in space. The Akida neuromorphic computing solution was selected based upon providing real time data stream processing with resiliency, autonomy and accuracy at the lowest power, mass and volume. The European Space Agency (ESA) has been leading the efforts to deploy neuromorphic computing.
“While many fields no doubt can benefit from neuromorphic computing, one essential area is computer vision applications where current FPGA or GPU technology does not bring satisfactory results for edge deployments when considering mass, volume and power constraints,” said Laurent Hili, microelectronics and data handling engineer at the ESA.
“This programme has demonstrated the superiority of neuromorphic technology through several on-going activities with satellite primes and IP/components suppliers such as Frontgrade Gaisler and BrainChip.”
Gaisler is one of Europe’s leading supplier of space chips, with the NOEL RISC-V processor and the LEON SPARC_based processor.
“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 7nm 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.”
In a future project, this microprocessor prototype will be advanced toward full functionality, production, and qualification, providing Europe with autonomous and highly competitive space computing capabilities, facilitating advanced AI and Edge computing to meet the demands of next-generation satellite constellations and deep-space 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 deep submicron technology and to strengthen our position in this industry.”
“For the last 20 years, Gaisler’s space-grade microprocessors have been successfully deployed to every planet of our solar system in missions from ESA as well as most other space agencies. Together with BrainChip, we evaluated the Akida IP and decided that the next step of licensing it would beneficially augment our future space processors with neuromorphic AI.”
“This collaboration with Frontgrade Gaisler to license Akida IP for implementation into space SoCs represents an important step in satisfying the market demand for space-based AI deployments, turning into reality what once was considered unattainable,” said Sean Hehir, CEO of BrainChip. “We are pleased to expand on our trusted relationship with Frontgrade as they push the boundaries of space computing.”
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