28 May 2020: Thales Alenia Space is working on an ambitious project called PROMISE - PROgrammable MIxed Signal Electronics. This project is a part of HORIZON 2020 research and innovation program of the European Commission. The programme aims at establishing technological independency to Europe in future space missions and guarantee its competitiveness in the field.
Currently most of the Mixed Signal ASIC or Application-Specific Integrated Circuit are produced in US. These electronic chips considered to be the "brains" of the satellites and one of the elements that are more costly to produce. The European aerospace industry currently depends on UAS for these electronic chips. The PROMISE project will develop a library of blocks designed and tested to be used in these chips. This will lead not only to cut on one-third of the time but also to reduce costs.
"At Thales Alenia Space we are proud to lead from Spain a revolutionary and pioneering initiative in the continent that will enable the development of satellites fully "Made in Europe". PROMISE will position the European space industry at the forefront of cost-competitive solutions and enable participating companies to take a leading role in the space projects of the future", said Eduardo Bellido, CEO of Thales Alenia Space in Spain.
According to Angel Alvaro, R&D responsible at Thales Alenia Space, "This system of blocks already existed in the digital arena but not in the analogue arena. We will be able to build in a single chip system that includes both parts, therefore sensibly reducing the cost and size of the circuits. From taking measurements, to controlling camera and controlling a motor all within a single chip. Moreover, a prototype chip will be produced to guarantee the proper functionality of all library contents. This is really an important step for the future of the European space industry", he added.
The Mixed Signal ASIC fully based on the PROMISE library will lead to about 20 to 40 per cent reduction in lead time and will be reduced by a factor of 5. Means the number of recurrent units needed to make a new design profitable will go from 200 (with the current technology) down to 85.
This project will enable the design of many of the chips that will be used in future satellite mega-constellations. Considering a single ASIC based on PROMISE per constellation, it means a volume close to 3000 units over 5 years.