Introduction

Teledyne e2v has just introduced the engineering models of its groundbreaking LX2160-Space, a state-of-the-art 16-core processor based on the Arm® Cortex® A72 architecture. This innovative system on chip (SoC) is designed to facilitate early project designs, as well as hardware and software validation for applications with demanding space requirements. Impressively, the LX2160-Space models maintain identical fit, form, and function to their intended flight models.

Revolutionizing Space Computing

The LX2160-Space is not just any processor; it’s set to revolutionize complex computing tasks in space, spanning a variety of applications from Earth Observation Satellites to advanced Early Warning systems and next-generation Telecommunications. Notably, it plays a critical role in processing data for 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) satellite communications, also known as SatComs. With an astonishing capability of 200,000 DMIPS, this processor stands out for its ability to handle extremely compute-intensive tasks, including high-resolution image processing.

Power Efficiency

Efficiency is at the forefront of the LX2160-Space's design. Each core has a power consumption of approximately 2 watts, providing embedded engineers with the optimal balance of performance and power efficiency in a compact form factor. This combination leaves little to be desired, as it enables sophisticated processing in a variety of demanding environments.

Transition to Arm® Architecture

Drawing from over 40 years of expertise in qualifying digital processing solutions for high-reliability scenarios, Teledyne e2v has transitioned from PowerPC processors to the Arm® architecture, establishing the LX2160 as a fully military-qualified device. The LX2160-Space is still under development, with ongoing radiation characterization to ensure resilience in space conditions. Teledyne e2v aims to qualify a range of radiation-tolerant space grades, targeting NASA Level 1 qualifications by the second half of 2025.

Market Demand and Future Outlook

Thomas Guillemain, the Marketing & Business Development Manager for Data Processing Systems, expressed enthusiasm for this release: “We are incredibly proud to reach the milestone of availability for the LX2160-Space Engineering Models. There is significant demand for a robust processing chipset that can keep up with the increasing volume and speed of data needed for Telecom Satellites, which often contend with a surge in data packets and higher frame rates. Moreover, with emerging needs for onboard autonomous decision-making through AI algorithms, the LX2160-Space stands out as the perfect choice for space applications.”

Conclusion

With multiple space-grade options available, from New Space initiatives to NASA Level 1 specifications, the LX2160-Space promises to be a game-changer in the world of satellite and space technology. Keep an eye on this remarkable processor as it gears up to meet the future of space exploration and telecommunications!