Trends and patterns in ASIC and FPGA use in space missions and impact in technology roadmaps of the European Space Agency

Abstract

ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) and FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) are the two most complex and versatile integrated circuit technologies used nowadays in space missions. They are key technologies and perform the core of the avionics control and data processing of every satellite and spacecraft. Quantities used of ASIC and FPGA in space missions have been increasing significantly in the last years. Some of the fundamental differences between ASIC and FPGA are the development costs and the reprogrammability features, while in both cases there is a lengthy and costly customer design process behind. This research attempts to quantify the use of ASIC and FPGA technologies in space missions in the last years, to show the patterns and trends of use and to assess how these conclusions match the priorities established in the present technology roadmaps of the European Space Agency. The results of this study will be used as valuable inputs for future strategic and investment decisions of the European Space Agency and the European space community actors.

Keywords: ASIC, FPGA, European Space Agency, space missions, technology roadmaps.