NG-Ultra validation and on-board processing board development

The need for a significant increase of the on-board data processing performance/power ratio with higher flexibility in space systems is asserted for several years already. The assigned targets for future space data processors led to the development of the NG-Ultra processing component through several European Research and Development programs supported by major institutional and industrial stakeholders. This device is a key building block for achieving the European objectives of high competitiveness and technology non-dependence in future space systems.
The NanoXplore's NG-Ultra is a Rad-Hard Multi-Processor System on a Chip (MPSoC) embedding 4 cores Arm® and a very large FPGA matrix with pre-developed generic functions for spacecraft data-handling. It provides room to embark more processing functions as needed by user applications. Major milestones of the NG-Ultra development have been achieved in 2020 in particular with the successful production of the first samples components. Evaluation boards have been delivered to Airbus Defence and Space to validate the design and provide feedback also on the associated development tools. In parallel to these bring-up activities, the next generation computer development has started, built on NG-Ultra component as its processing core. It follows the Advanced Data Handling Architecture modularity requirements with the objective to provide a high performance processing function covering all kind of space applications for the next On Board Data Processors generation.
The presentation will provide an overview and update on these activities, together with a perspective for the utilization of the NG-Ultra in future on-board processing products.