"Schmitz, Hans" <Hans.Schmitz@actel.com>

"Application Examples of FPGA's Designed Into Satellite Systems"

1.0	ABSTRACT

Field-Programmable-Gate-Arrays(FPGA) are used to provide simple and complex
digital logic functions.  However, when the FPGA is used in a product in a
Radiation Environment(e.g. Satellite), there are additional factors which
must be considered.


2.0	INTRODUCTION

Field-Programmable-Gate-Arrays(FPGA) are commonly used in products which
exist in radiation environments(e.g. Satellites, etc).  The FPGA's are very
attractive since they provide a high-density of logic in very small physical
space(size and weight).   Generally, all standard digital design practices
taught in the Universities and used in standard commercial environment
products, can be applied to the FPGA's used in products to exist in the
radiation environment.  However, when an FPGA is design-into a product which
must exist in a radiation environment, there are additional factors which
must be considered.  These additional factors are application dependent, and
are not obvious.

This paper will show a few digital logic applications, and highlight the
additional factors that must be considered by each circuit application.
These non-obvious factors are highlighted.  When they are realized and
accounted for, the FPGA can be reliably used in products, which will exist
in a radiation environment.