Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP), a global provider of microcontroller and mixed-signal solutions, has announced two significant milestones in its space-qualified FPGA product line, expanding its Radiation-Tolerant (RT) PolarFire® family to meet growing demand in satellite and avionics systems.
The company confirmed MIL-STD-883 Class B and QML Class Q qualification of its RT PolarFire RTPF500ZT FPGA, along with the release of engineering samples for its RT PolarFire SoC FPGA. These advancements bolster Microchip’s portfolio of space-grade components and reinforce its legacy of over 60 years in supporting mission-critical aerospace programs.
The MIL-STD-883 Class B and QML Class Q certifications—standards established by the U.S. Department of Defense and managed by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)—validate that the RTPF500ZT FPGA meets stringent environmental, mechanical, and electrical testing requirements for high-reliability components used in space and defense applications.
Built using nonvolatile technology, RT PolarFire FPGAs are inherently immune to configuration memory upsets caused by radiation, reducing system complexity and eliminating the need for external mitigation. The new RTPF500ZT offers enhanced single event latch-up (SEL) performance and increased robustness for inflight reprogramming, setting it apart from earlier iterations.
“Microchip has long served critical space missions, from low Earth orbit to deep space exploration,” said Shakeel Peera, Vice President of Marketing and Strategy for Microchip’s FPGA business unit. “These latest achievements reflect our continued investment in radiation-tolerant solutions that meet the evolving performance and reliability needs of space system developers.”
In parallel, engineering samples of the RT PolarFire SoC FPGA are now available. The device integrates a RISC-V®-based microprocessor subsystem capable of running Linux® alongside a proven FPGA architecture, enabling flexible software support and deterministic real-time performance. It targets applications including satellite processing, avionics control, and payload management, with a roadmap toward QML Class V and Class Y qualifications.
To support its FPGA products, Microchip offers the Libero® SoC Design Suite, a suite of development tools, reference designs, and solution stacks tailored for space environments. The RT PolarFire SoC also integrates into the company’s Mi-V RISC-V ecosystem and is backed by development kits that streamline prototyping and system validation.
These latest announcements reflect Microchip’s continued leadership in radiation-tolerant technologies. As the aerospace sector pushes for higher performance, lower power consumption, and greater integration, Microchip remains well positioned to support the next generation of satellite and deep space platforms.
