White Paper

WHITE PAPER Advancing Signal and Data Processing for Space Payloads mrcy.com 7 mrcy.com 7 DEEP SPACE EXPLORATION AND NEW DATA STORAGE Deep space missions, such as those aimed at Mars or beyond, pose unique challenges in terms of data storage and transmission. The vast distances involved mean that data must be stored reliably over long periods and transmitted across immense spans of space. Long-term components that can withstand the harsh conditions of deep space are crucial for the success of these missions. Innovations in radiation-hardened electronics and durable storage solutions are addressing these challenges. By ensuring that data integrity is maintained, even in the face of cosmic radiation and extreme temperatures, these technologies are paving the way for more ambitious missions to distant planets and beyond. Modern space data systems rely on solid-state data recorders. SSDRs are designed to withstand harsh, radiation-intense, SWaP-constrained environments and include advanced integrated error correction algorithms to minimize the effects of radiation without depending on heavy physical shielding. These data recorders are the heart of the space data chain— the overall procedure of capturing, digitizing, processing, and transmitting data requires secure and reliable data storage. Large storage capacity in a small form factor Next-generation data recorders use little power and are small, lightweight, and high performing. They can store and provide data that is captured, processed, and transmitted by other data chain components such as sensors and processors. For example, the space data recorders produced by Mercury Systems are in a 3U VPX form factor, which is roughly the size of 100-page book or the width of two cell phones. Compatible with existing architecture, the recorders use NAND flash, have storage capabilities ranging from 440 GB to 4.5 TB, and are performance equivalent to today 's fastest gaming SSDs. They are also designed to operate under the most extreme circumstances to ensure data is accurate and reliable. Harsh environment protection and error correction Space is a demanding environment for microelectronics. Modern SSDRs use radiation- and temperature-tolerant components and materials. They are shielded with material such as aluminum, which is effective against small amounts of radiation but adds weight. Error checking and correction (ECC) software is also used, specifically for memory and data storage components. ECC software detects and corrects bit flips that can occur when a device is struck by a single ionizing particle. Depending on the space data recorder and the software's level of sophistication, ECC can correct either single-bit errors or multiple errors across storage blocks. NAND chips and built-in redundancies SSDRs and almost all other space microelectronics now use NAND flash for storage and memor y. As opposed to dynamic random-access memor y (DRAM) chips, which require constant power to retain data, NAND chips do not require constant power and their power can be turned off during any downtime between data collection and data transmission 1 0 1 0 1 Data Storage Before 1 0 1 1 1 Data Storage After Bit Flip Cosmic V > > > MICRON AEROSPACE & DEFENSE MEMORY AND STORAGE SOLUTIONS Micron, a U.S.-based manufacturer, is the leading memory market supplier to automotive and industrial markets (AIMM). Micron supports AIMM with the broadest product portfolio and cutting-edge solutions that are well aligned to the A&D market. Their memory and storage solutions support verticals across A&D like commercial and military aerospace, defense, and space-based platforms. Micron's focus, investment, and experience in suppor ting AIMM for 30+ years drive innovation and leadership, and provide a solid foundation for commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) market requirements critical to A&D. Mercur y works closely with Micron to deliver reliable, proven solutions for data storage in space.

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