SSZT065A September 2022 – December 2023 ADC128S102-SEP , ISOS141-SEP , LMH5485-SEP , LMX2694-SEP , OPA4H014-SEP , SN55HVD233-SEP , SN65C1168E-SEP , TL7700-SEP , TLV1704-SEP , TPS73801-SEP , TPS7H1210-SEP , TPS7H2221-SEP , TPS7H4003-SEP , TPS7H4010-SEP , TPS7H5005-SEP , TPS7H5006-SEP , TPS7H5007-SEP , TPS7H5008-SEP
One of the more exciting aspects of the emerging new space market is the launch of high-volume low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites that are small and economically feasible, but also radiation-tolerant and reliable. These satellites enable expanded communication and connectivity around the world. Unlike the traditional satellite market, where the majority of missions are in geosynchronous orbit up to 22,236 miles from Earth and expected to last more than 10 years, LEO satellites orbit much closer to Earth, not more than 1,300 miles away. Because they’re relatively easy to replace, they generally have mission lives for less than seven years.
The major challenges in electronic design for LEO satellites – all while meeting strict budgets and maintaining competitiveness – are:
For designers new to the space market, there are specific challenges in space that products designed for terrestrial markets do not address, including:
TI’s Space Enhanced Product (EP) qualification process addresses these challenges and removes the need for high-risk and resource intensive upscreening methods sometimes used for this market. Upscreening is the practice of testing a part electrically or environmentally for use outside of datasheet specifications. While upscreening can help classify a device’s performance for space, there are still numerous risks and without a full understanding of the "recipe" of a device and its test vectors, this can lead to field failures and a false sense of security that the satellite will function for the mission duration.
TI’s certified space products enable designers and component engineers to design and qualify their boards without worrying about the specific considerations of satellites in a LEO space environment. Some of the considerations that Space EP products address are:
For more detailed information on TI’s Space EP qualification, read our application note: “Reduce the risk in low Earth orbit missions with Space Enhanced Plastic products."
The quality and reliability in TI Space EP devices enables designers to spin and qualify new designs faster. Within the device product folder on TI.com, we provide all radiation data for the device, optimized for LEO requirements, as well as outgassing data and reliability reports. Using our detailed reports can be a huge cost saver since a significant investment is made in radiation testing, upscreening and accounting for low yield when using COTS products in LEO satellite applications.
Our reports include:
TI continues to invest and release more Space EP qualified products. For a full list of available devices, see the Space EP parametric table.
The harsh environment of space requires an enhanced level of reliability to ensure the safety of your system. In addition to these challenges, launch cycles and project timelines are continuing to accelerate. Save time and reduce risk in your next launch with our Space EP portfolio of devices.