SBIR-STTR Award

The need for Extreme Radiation Hard Neuromorphic Hardware is overwhelming for NASA, other government agencies and private industry. Neuromorphic computing is recognized by the electronics industry and aerospace industry as a promising tool for enabling high-performance computing and ultra-low power consumption to achieve what clients need. Satellites, Rovers and other key assets impose limits on size, weight and power consumption, as well as the need for radiation-tolerance. We propose to radiation harden a programmable in-memory compute neural network processor for deep neural networks by circuit, microarchitectural and architectural means. This processing paradigm has the potential to provide a full stack solution in the fields of in-situ cognition and autonomous decision making in extreme environments while bridging the gap between commercial state-of-the-art and the research efforts in the fields of neuromorphic space computing. Our solution can provide 10s of TOPS/W in inference performance when fully developed with comprehensive radiation assurance. Alphacore’s proposed library includes blocks designed in 22nm FDSOI process which have gone through multiple development cycles. These will be suitable to function under high radiation and wide temperatures of planets, asteroids and comets in deep space. With Alphacore’s solution, designers can develop technologies that are lightweight, highly efficient and can deliver advanced capabilities for next-generation missions, all without the need for heavy protective housing to ensure functionality in deep space. Anticipated

Benefits:
Alphacore’s cost-effective and energy efficient, rad-hard neuromorphic processor solution will enhance future missions for lunar, Martian and other deep space missions in applications such of in-situ cognition and autonomous decision making in entry, descent and landing type critical phases in presence of solar flares as well as radiation environments of outer planets. Neuromorphic computing is recognized by the electronics industry and aerospace industry as a promising tool for enabling high-performance computing and ultra-low power consumption to achieve autonomy and machine cognition. Satellites, Rovers, Rockets and other key assets require radiation-hardness for processors in critical deep space critical missions.