Radiation-Hardened Programmable Logic: The Lattice ISPLSI1016-60LH/883 QML Device
In the demanding environments of space, military, and high-energy physics applications, electronic components face a constant and invisible threat: ionizing radiation. This radiation can disrupt normal semiconductor operation, causing data corruption, functional failures, and permanent damage. To ensure reliability and mission success, systems designed for these environments require radiation-hardened (rad-hard) components. Among these, programmable logic devices (PLDs) offer critical flexibility, and the Lattice ISPLSI1016-60LH/883 QML stands as a seminal device in this specialized field.
The core challenge in space and avionics is mitigating the effects of radiation, which include single-event effects (SEEs) like upsets and latch-up, and cumulative total ionizing dose (TID) damage. Standard commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components are highly susceptible to these phenomena, making them unsuitable for critical missions. The ISPLSI1016-60LH/883 is engineered from the ground up to resist these threats. Its designation includes "883", indicating its compliance with the stringent U.S. Department of Defense MIL-PRF-38535 qualified manufacturers list (QML) standard. This certification guarantees that the device is manufactured, tested, and screened to the highest levels of reliability and performance under extreme conditions.
Architecturally, the device is a high-density programmable logic device built on Lattice's proven in-system programmable (ISP) technology. The "1016" denotes its logic capacity, featuring 16 macrocells and 32 registers, providing a robust platform for implementing complex state machines, glue logic, and interface control. Its 60ns maximum pin-to-pin logic delay ensures high-speed performance necessary for real-time processing tasks. A key rad-hardening feature is its hardened memory cells and configuration logic, which are designed to be highly resistant to single-event upsets (SEUs). This prevents the device's programmed functionality from being corrupted by ionizing particles, a common cause of failure in space.
The LH package suffix signifies a leadless chip carrier (LCC) package, which is well-suited for high-reliability soldering processes and offers excellent thermal and mechanical stability in rugged environments. The device's programmability is a significant advantage over rad-hardened application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). While ASICs offer performance, their non-reconfigurable nature and immense non-recurring engineering (NRE) costs are prohibitive for many projects. The ISPLSI1016-60LH/883 provides a middle ground, allowing designers to implement, test, and even reconfigure their logic designs in-system without the cost and lead time of a full ASIC, thus accelerating development cycles for rad-hard systems.
In practical terms, this device is commonly deployed in satellite subsystems, flight control computers, and instrumentation within particle accelerators. It functions as a centralized control unit for managing data routing, communication protocols, and timing operations, all while maintaining integrity in the presence of radiation. Its reliability allows system architects to reduce component count by consolidating numerous discrete logic chips into a single, dependable PLD, thereby enhancing overall system reliability and reducing board space.
ICGOOODFIND: The Lattice ISPLSI1016-60LH/883 QML device remains a cornerstone technology for radiation-hardened digital design. It successfully marries the flexibility of in-system programmability with the unwavering reliability demanded by the most extreme operational environments, proving that programmability and radiation tolerance are not mutually exclusive.
Keywords: Radiation-Hardened, Programmable Logic Device (PLD), Single-Event Effects (SEE), Total Ionizing Dose (TID), QML (Qualified Manufacturers List)
