BAE Systems Secures Funding for Advanced RH45® Technology in Space Missions

BAE Systems has recently announced a significant $16 million funding boost through the Defense Production Act Title III. This funding, obtained from the Department of War’s Warfighting Investments, will be directed towards qualifying the company’s advanced RH45® technology for radiation-hardened space missions.

Strengthening Space Mission Capabilities

For over ten years, BAE’s RH45® technology has played a pivotal role in enabling space clients to innovate their solutions using a robust library of capabilities and tried-and-true application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) design practices. This contract not only revitalizes the RH45 ASIC Storefront but also reinforces the domestic supply chain for cutting-edge radiation-hardened microelectronics crucial for missions that require high-performance, cost-effective solutions.

Manufactured through GlobalFoundries’ reliable 45nm silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology, the RH45 ASIC Storefront offers high reliability and is designed to withstand the challenging conditions of space. It provides customers with customizable building blocks compatible with standard design tools, vital for developing integrated circuit designs needed in space operations.

The Role of RH45 Chips in Space Operations

The RH45 chips are capable of withstanding harsh space environments, significantly outpacing previous generations in terms of power and performance. These advanced microelectronics find their application in various fields including military operations, civil projects, and commercial ventures such as planetary exploration, communication, surveillance, and weather operations. Furthermore, they play a crucial part in strategic radiation-hardened military missions.

Joe Dziezynski, the Space Systems product line director at BAE Systems, emphasizes the importance of design flexibility in supporting space missions. He outlines that the RH45 ASIC library is not only unique but also a reliable resource, allowing clients to target specific functionalities while adhering to radiation-hardened specifications. Dziezynski notes, "These integrated circuits serve as the core of advanced computing systems that must perform flawlessly under critical mission demands in the hostile space environment."

Ezra Hall, the senior director at GlobalFoundries for the Aerospace and Defense Business Line, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, reaffirming their commitment to ensuring secure U.S.-manufactured semiconductor solutions for critical applications. This partnership is set to accelerate the advancements of next-gen technologies that meet exceptional performance, reliability, and security standards, especially in the complex realm of space missions.

The Future of Space Electronics with RH45 Technology

The RH45 technology is being incorporated into single-board computers (SBCs), which will soon be available for space agencies and spacecraft producers, including BAE Systems' Endura™ SBC. This state-of-the-art platform will deliver powerful processors, enhanced input/output capabilities, and robust security features, resulting in significant improvements in size, speed, and efficiency. As a versatile supplier, BAE Systems not only develops standard components but also delivers high-reliability space electronics and complete system payload solutions.

The operations concerning the RH45 ASIC are conducted at BAE Systems' Space Systems division in Manassas, Virginia, recognized as a trusted Microelectronics Source by the U.S. Department of War. The facility encompasses a variety of services including design, assembly, testing, and packaging, ensuring top-tier quality in semiconductor solutions.

For those interested in learning more about BAE Systems and its advanced technologies, comprehensive information is available on their website, or through contacting their press relations team.

With this substantial funding, BAE Systems is poised to enhance its role in the future of space exploration with cutting-edge radiation-hardened technologies.