New Electronic Components Boost Satellite Technology in Low Earth Orbit
London, Thursday, 3 July 2025.
Recent advancements in memory, power, and MIMO devices promise compact, cost-effective solutions for NewSpace ventures, enhancing satellite capabilities for communication and data processing in low Earth orbit.
Radiation-Tolerant Memory for the NewSpace Era
Infineon’s latest portfolio of radiation-tolerant memory components has brought significant advancements to the NewSpace market. This offering includes Ferroelectric RAM (F-RAM), QSPI NOR Flash, and pseudo-static RAM (pSRAM), designed to meet the rigorous demands of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations. These components are engineered to balance high performance with reduced Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP), all while ensuring resilience against the harsh radiation environment of space. The F-RAM devices operate within a broad temperature range from -55°C to +125°C, handling total ionizing doses (TID) up to 50 krad(Si) [1].
Power Management Solutions for Satellites
STMicroelectronics has introduced the LEOPOL1, a radiation-hardened point-of-load (PoL) converter aimed at improving power management in LEO satellites. Utilizing BCD6-SOI technology, the LEOPOL1 is crafted to withstand the radiation challenges associated with space environments, offering a cost-effective substitute to traditional hermetic packaging. Its features, such as a synchronous buck topology and configurable soft-start, position it as an optimal solution for satellite Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) seeking reliability and cost efficiency [1].
Record-Setting MIMO Receiver Architecture
In a groundbreaking development, the Institute of Science Tokyo unveiled a novel time-division MIMO receiver architecture, setting a new record with a 38.4 Gbps throughput. This advancement is designed specifically for LEO satellite platforms and is poised to play a crucial role in the deployment of future 6G networks. The architecture’s minimal area and power consumption are particularly impressive, making it an excellent candidate for integration into next-generation satellite systems that necessitate efficient data handling capabilities [1].
European Market and Future Outlook
The European market stands to benefit significantly from these technological advancements as the region continues to ramp up its investments in NewSpace initiatives. The introduction of these components not only promises to boost the performance and resilience of European satellite ventures but also positions Europe as a competitive player in the global space economy. As satellite technology continues to evolve, these innovations will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of space exploration and communication [1][2].