Aerospace Knowledge Library
Aerospace insights from the experts, at your fingertips
Explore the vast expanse of aerospace innovation and discovery through our comprehensive collection of resources, articles, podcasts, and webinars. Whether you're a seasoned professional, an aspiring enthusiast, or simply curious about the wonders of aerospace technology, our library is your gateway to the latest advancements and timeless wisdom in the field.
Versal for Space and its Ecosystem: Delve into the cutting-edge world of space exploration with Versal for Space, a revolutionary platform designed to propel humanity's reach beyond Earth's confines. Discover how Versal's adaptable architecture and robust ecosystem are revolutionizing space missions, enabling faster development, enhanced performance, and unparalleled versatility in spacecraft design.
Space 2.0: Witness the dawn of Space 2.0, a new era characterized by unprecedented collaboration, innovation, and accessibility in space exploration. From private companies launching commercial satellites to government agencies embarking on ambitious missions to distant celestial bodies, Space 2.0 represents a paradigm shift in how we perceive and interact with the cosmos.
FPGAs and Radiation-Tolerant/Hardened Processors: Uncover the crucial role of Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and radiation-tolerant/hardened processors in shaping the future of aerospace technology. Learn how these resilient components withstand the harsh radiation environment of space, ensuring the reliability and stability of critical systems onboard spacecraft and satellites.
Our curated selection of resources, articles, podcasts, and webinars offers a multifaceted exploration of aerospace knowledge, covering topics ranging from propulsion systems and materials science to space policy and exploration strategies. Whether you're interested in the mechanics of rocketry, the intricacies of orbital mechanics, or the societal implications of space exploration, our library has something for everyone.
Embark on a journey of discovery, innovation, and imagination with the Aerospace Knowledge Library.
- Articles
- Webinars & Podcasts
Putting Power First
From a technology perspective, we have come a long way since the first lunar missions. Space is being commercialised in ways the pioneers could have only imagined. There are now almost 10,000 satellites in orbit around Earth. Tourism may be the next frontier. The demand for more processing capability on the edge of space is pushing the limits of power design. Making power supplies radiation-tolerant and more efficient will help keep the satellite industry launching.
Versal - Revolutionising Onboard Processing and AI in Space 2.0 Applications
This era emphasises higher processing power, AI-driven analytics, and increased autonomy for space missions. Unlike traditional space missions, which relied on extensive ground station communication and analysis, Space 2.0 requires real-time data processing, adaptive computing architectures, and radiation-hardened electronics that can withstand the harsh conditions of space. AMD’s Versal adaptive SoCs — reconfigurable processing platforms designed for space-based AI, machine learning, and advanced onboard computing — are at the forefront of this evolution.
Advantages of a High-Precision ADC in Space Applications
In high-reliability electronics utilised in space applications, measurement precision and resilience are critical. From measuring system voltages and temperatures to precise motor control, it is imperative to have a fully accurate measurement. Many electronic devices require closely controlled supply voltages that need to be monitored and adjusted. In addition, knowledge of the system temperature is important so that temperature compensation can be applied where necessary. Renesas' Jonathan Harris takes a closer look at the advantages of a high precision ADC in space applications, specifically focusing on the ISL71148M.
8 Things to Know About AMD's Versal Adaptive SoCs and Their Role in Space 2.0
As satellite technology evolves and the demands of space exploration intensify, traditional processing architectures are no longer enough. The new era, often referred to as Space 2.0, calls for smarter, faster, and more resilient computing systems. At the heart of this transformation is AMD’s Versal Adaptive SoC platform. These reconfigurable devices are redefining what's possible in orbit, enabling real-time decision-making, advanced telemetry analysis, and scalable AI-driven applications. Whether you’re designing the next generation of Earth observation satellites or building autonomous deep-space systems, here are eight key things you need to know about how Versal is powering the future of space.
Addressing the processing needs of Space 2.0 applications
The heavens may be infinite, but in Earth’s neighbourhood things are getting crowded. Space 2.0, a new era of exploration and development driven more by commercial interests than government action, is fuelling rapid innovation in reusable rockets, satellite internet connectivity, Earth observation platforms, navigation, space tourism and many more applications. As a result, our skies are rapidly becoming much busier than ever before.
FPGAs fit for space
The arrival of Space 2.0 has democratised the use of satellites and opened up an array of applications that can be serviced by electronics in low-Earth orbit (LEO) as well as those on higher trajectories such as geosynchronous equatorial orbit (GEO). Although launch costs have fallen rapidly, development cost and time present their own challenges. Even if deployed in large constellations of several hundred satellites like some of the LEO communications networks now orbiting, space electronics designs are intrinsically low-volume applications.
Radiation-hardened processors for space
Lower launch costs have helped open up a raft of applications for satellites that, by featuring advanced sensors and computing, are able to deliver novel communications and remote-monitoring services. Limited communication bandwidth to ground stations and the increasing resolution of sensors mean that sophisticated compression and onboard analysis techniques are mandated.
Overcoming the radiation challenges of space electronics
To deploy systems into orbit that will be reliable requires a focus on radiation hardening of electronics during the design process. Radiation represents the biggest reliability challenge for electronic hardware in space and the small satellites in low-Earth orbits (LEOs) can be particularly under threat. The radiation environment close to Earth is divided into two main categories.
Webinars
AMD Versal for Space and its Ecosystem
Join Avnet Silica’s AMD Versal for Space and its Ecosystem webinar to learn more about the features of the XQR Versal devices and its ecosystem with our leading supplier partners.
Renesas Intersil Space Update
The Renesas High Reliability Business Unit (former Intersil) will be providing an update on their recently released or soon to be released space grade integrated circuit solutions. Join us for an update on our advanced power management, analog mixed signal, and RF products specifically designed, qualified and screened for space applications.
Radar Signal Processing with AMD Versal SoCs
AMD has developed a new class of heterogenous product which combines VLIW SIMD processors (named AI Engines) with traditional FPGA fabric in a single device. While these devices can provide new capabilities for existing systems, they also require new design methodologies to extract the highest performance from the device.
In this informative webinar, AMD will demonstrate a Space-Time Adaptive Processing algorithm design implemented on the AMD Versal devices
Podcasts
Episode 43: The Tech Odyssey: Reshaping Space Missions with AMD and Avnet Silica
As we push the boundaries of what's possible in space, two pivotal challenges stand out: the hardware components that can withstand the extremities of space and the sophisticated processing power required to execute space missions.
With our guests, we will explore the transformation in satellite technology, the vital role of Commercial Off-the-shelf components, and the evolution in processing needs for ambitious space applications.
Joining us from AMD is Ken O’Neill, Space Systems Architect. Representing Avnet Silica, we have Paul Leys, Market Segment Manager, Aerospace and Defence. Together, we'll journey to understand the New Space movement’s intricacies, challenges, and future.
Episode 40: The Next Space Age: Intelligent Systems, Data, and the Journey Beyond
While Space might seem a world away from our everyday experiences with the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and data, our guest bridges that gap today. We're excited to introduce Kate Underhill, a rocket scientist from the European Space Agency (ESA).
Kate works with the 'Future Launchers Preparatory Programme' at ESA, blending cutting-edge technology with space exploration, from implementing AI in non-destructive hardware inspections to creating intelligent propulsion systems.
We'll explore if the answer to our global challenges is written in the stars.
Episode 33: Connecting the Unconnected - The Power of Satellite IoT
A critical aspect of IoT that is often overlooked but critical for connecting the unconnected: is satellite IoT. With the growing demand for reliable and secure connectivity in remote and underserved areas, satellite IoT is increasingly important in bridging the gap and providing real-time access to critical information and data.
We'll discuss the evolution of satellite IoT, its key concepts and technologies, real-world use cases and benefits, and future trends that are likely to emerge. Our guest this week is Gianluca Redolfi, CCO at Sateliot.