Next Generation General Purpose Microprocessor (NGMP) Engineering Models - GR740 microprocessor

 
The ESA Next Generation Microprocessor activities were initiated to design and produce a microprocessor device to meet the ever increasing demand of computational power. The development continues the successful cooperation between ESA and industry to provide European space grade microprocessors that enable new missions.

Objective(s)
The main objective of this activity was to produce devices of the ESA Next Generation Microprocessor and to prove the suitability of the processor design through functional validation and radiation tests, and to make devices and development kits available to end users.

Achievements and status

• Manufacturing, test and market introduction of microprocessor prototype devices in ST Microelectronics 65 nm space ASIC platform. Check-out the dedicated websites on gaisler.com and on st.com.
• Electrical test and functional validation of microprocessor devices through an extensive benchmarking campaign. Report available here.
• Development and market introduction of development kit
• Validation of radiation hardening through an extensive radiation test campaign, using ESA sponsored facilities RADEF(FI) and UCL-HIF(BE).

 
Benefits
The developed microprocessor – product code GR740 – will provide a significant improvement in performance over existing European space-grade microprocessors. The device also is also the first implementation in the ESA microprocessor roadmap that introduces multicore technology. The GR740 is well received by several users in- and outside Europe.

Next steps
Design, manufacturing and qualification of Next Generation Microprocessor flight models in 2017/2018 with target TRL8 in a co-funded GSTP activity. Market introduction of FM at end of 2018.