{"project":{"acronym":"","projectId":93486,"title":"FLASHRAD: A 3D Rad Hard Memory Module For High Performance Space Computers","primaryTaxonomyNodes":[{"taxonomyNodeId":10571,"taxonomyRootId":8816,"parentNodeId":10567,"level":3,"code":"TX02.1.4","title":"High Performance Memories","definition":"High Performance rad-hard Memories utilize more advanced memory technologies (volatile and non-volatile) to provide increased memory bandwidth and improved power utilization at orders of magnitude increase in density.","exampleTechnologies":"Rad-hard high-density on-board memory, rad-hard/tolerant high-capacity memory, Double Data Rate (DDR3/4), Magnetoresistive Random-Access Memory (MRAM)","hasChildren":false,"hasInteriorContent":true}],"startTrl":2,"currentTrl":3,"endTrl":3,"benefits":"The proposed development is to produce a module consisting of a Rad-hard controller integrated with a 3D Flash memory cube design using COTS memory. Some features of the module would allow for high bandwidth capabilities, increase memory density and dynamic error correction that could ultimately be used for NASA's High Performance Space Computer (HPSC) and high memory density solid state recorders (SRRs). Interplanetary missions and space telescopes are other possible applications. Further, this technology eventually will allow NASA to access a broader range of capabilities that can be brought to space.
COTS based 3D Flash memory cubes integrated to a custom RH controller die can be foreseen to enter markets where the ability to dynamically correct for memory errors is important in a harsh environment or where the electronics cannot be readily repaired or replaced. Military and commercial communication satellites, space-based surveillance and reconnaissance, and downhole electronics are applications where robust electronics are in demand.","description":"The computing capabilities of onboard spacecraft are a major limiting factor for accomplishing many classes of future missions. Although technology development efforts are underway that will provide improvements to spacecraft central processing units (CPUs) they do not address the limitations of current onboard memory systems. In addition to CPU upgrades, effective execution of data-intensive operations such as terrain relative navigation, hazard detection and avoidance, autonomous planning and scheduling, and onboard science data processing and analysis require high-bandwidth, low-latency memory systems to maximize processor usage (i.e. to overcome the \"memory wall\"). Copious amounts of data being generated on a mission require large amounts of non-volatile memory storage in order to store this data for transmission back to earth when power to do this operation is available. Furthermore, the memory system must be capable of providing the necessary operational robustness and fault tolerance required for space applications. In an effort to support the needs for NASA's High Performance Space Computer (HPSC), it is proposed that this research investigates the challenges and opportunities in developing a space-qualified, 3D Flash memory cube utilizing COTS memory devices supplemented with a custom Radiation-Hardened-By-Design (RHBD) controller. Focus would be on developing a NAND Flash memory module that could be used for SSRs to help increase the memory densities, lower power, lower cost and to achieve higher data throughput.","startYear":2017,"startMonth":6,"endYear":2017,"endMonth":12,"statusDescription":"Completed","principalInvestigators":[{"contactId":505705,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"James","lastName":"Yamaguchi","fullName":"James Yamaguchi","fullNameInverted":"Yamaguchi, James","primaryEmail":"jyamaguchi@irvine-sensors.com","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programDirectors":[{"contactId":206378,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Jason","lastName":"Kessler","fullName":"Jason L Kessler","fullNameInverted":"Kessler, Jason L","middleInitial":"L","primaryEmail":"jason.l.kessler@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programExecutives":[{"contactId":215154,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Jennifer","lastName":"Gustetic","fullName":"Jennifer L Gustetic","fullNameInverted":"Gustetic, Jennifer L","middleInitial":"L","primaryEmail":"jennifer.l.gustetic@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programManagers":[{"contactId":62051,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Carlos","lastName":"Torrez","fullName":"Carlos Torrez","fullNameInverted":"Torrez, Carlos","primaryEmail":"carlos.torrez@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"projectManagers":[{"contactId":3163995,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Robert","lastName":"Jones","fullName":"Robert Jones","fullNameInverted":"Jones, Robert","primaryEmail":"Robert.A.Jones@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false},{"contactId":461333,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Theresa","lastName":"Stanley","fullName":"Theresa M Stanley","fullNameInverted":"Stanley, Theresa M","middleInitial":"M","primaryEmail":"theresa.m.stanley@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"website":"","libraryItems":[{"file":{"fileExtension":"pdf","fileId":299318,"fileName":"SBIR_2017_1_BC_Z6.01-8732","fileSize":52914,"objectId":295856,"objectType":{"lkuCodeId":889,"code":"LIBRARY_ITEMS","description":"Library Items","lkuCodeTypeId":182,"lkuCodeType":{"codeType":"OBJECT_TYPE","description":"Object Type"}},"objectTypeId":889,"fileSizeString":"51.7 KB"},"files":[{"fileExtension":"pdf","fileId":299318,"fileName":"SBIR_2017_1_BC_Z6.01-8732","fileSize":52914,"objectId":295856,"objectType":{"lkuCodeId":889,"code":"LIBRARY_ITEMS","description":"Library Items","lkuCodeTypeId":182,"lkuCodeType":{"codeType":"OBJECT_TYPE","description":"Object Type"}},"objectTypeId":889,"fileSizeString":"51.7 KB"}],"id":295856,"title":"Briefing Chart","description":"FLASHRAD: A 3D Rad Hard Memory Module For High Performance Space Computers, Phase I Briefing Chart","libraryItemTypeId":1222,"projectId":93486,"primary":false,"publishedDateString":"","contentType":{"lkuCodeId":1222,"code":"DOCUMENT","description":"Document","lkuCodeTypeId":341,"lkuCodeType":{"codeType":"LIBRARY_ITEM_TYPE","description":"Library Item Type"}}},{"caption":"FLASHRAD: A 3D Rad Hard Memory Module For High Performance Space Computers, Phase I Briefing Chart Image","file":{"fileExtension":"jpg","fileId":299009,"fileName":"SBIR_2017_1_BC_Z6.01-8732","fileSize":36120,"objectId":295544,"objectType":{"lkuCodeId":889,"code":"LIBRARY_ITEMS","description":"Library Items","lkuCodeTypeId":182,"lkuCodeType":{"codeType":"OBJECT_TYPE","description":"Object Type"}},"objectTypeId":889,"fileSizeString":"35.3 KB"},"files":[{"fileExtension":"jpg","fileId":299009,"fileName":"SBIR_2017_1_BC_Z6.01-8732","fileSize":36120,"objectId":295544,"objectType":{"lkuCodeId":889,"code":"LIBRARY_ITEMS","description":"Library Items","lkuCodeTypeId":182,"lkuCodeType":{"codeType":"OBJECT_TYPE","description":"Object Type"}},"objectTypeId":889,"fileSizeString":"35.3 KB"}],"id":295544,"title":"Briefing Chart Image","description":"FLASHRAD: A 3D Rad Hard Memory Module For High Performance Space Computers, Phase I Briefing Chart Image","libraryItemTypeId":1095,"projectId":93486,"primary":true,"publishedDateString":"","contentType":{"lkuCodeId":1095,"code":"IMAGE","description":"Image","lkuCodeTypeId":341,"lkuCodeType":{"codeType":"LIBRARY_ITEM_TYPE","description":"Library Item Type"}}}],"transitions":[{"transitionId":69552,"projectId":93486,"partner":"Other","transitionDate":"2020-08-01","path":"Advanced To","relatedProjectId":101865,"relatedProject":{"acronym":"","projectId":101865,"title":"FLASHRAD: A Non-Volatile 3D Rad Hard Memory Module for High Performance Space Computers","startTrl":3,"currentTrl":4,"endTrl":4,"benefits":"The computing capabilities of onboard spacecraft are a major limiting factor for accomplishing many classes of future missions. Although technology development efforts are underway that will provide improvements to spacecraft CPUs, they do not address the limitations of current onboard memory systems. In addition to CPU upgrades, effective execution of data-intensive operations such as terrain relative navigation, hazard detection and avoidance, autonomous planning and scheduling, and onboard science data processing and analysis require high-bandwidth, high-capacity memory systems to maximize data storage and provide rapid access to observational data captured by high-data-rate instruments (e.g., Hyperspectral Infrared Imager, Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar).Three-dimensional ICs, after a long wait, are now a reality. The first mainstream products are 3D memory cubes that offer manifold improvements in size, capacity, speed, and power. Unfortunately, none of these are ready for space. The purpose of this research and development is to pursue a non-volatile, 3D memory module that can meet the high-reliability requirements of space and interface to the High Performance Space Computer (HPSC) using a high-speed serial interface. Development will include fabricating a 3D memory cube and RTL for a FPGA based memory controller which will eventually be migrated to a rad-hard ASIC. The FPGA based platform will integrate a 3D memory cube to produce a 3D memory module prototy
Optimization of the logic base of a memory cube has not been available for any application. Development of the design tools to achieve better optimization of these logic bases will in turn lead to a broader application base which will benefit not only the users for space applications, but will benefit terrestrial users to help improve the efficiency of their electronics by addressing SWaP issues.","description":"The computing capabilities of onboard spacecraft are a major limiting factor for accomplishing many classes of future missions. Although technology development efforts are underway that will provide improvements to spacecraft CPUs, they do not address the limitations of current onboard memory systems. In addition to CPU upgrades, effective execution of data-intensive operations such as terrain relative navigation, hazard detection and avoidance, autonomous planning and scheduling, and onboard science data processing and analysis require high-bandwidth, high-capacity memory systems to maximize data storage and provide rapid access to observational data captured by high-data-rate instruments (e.g., Hyperspectral Infrared Imager, Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar).Three-dimensional ICs, after a long wait, are now a reality. The first mainstream products are 3D memory cubes that offer manifold improvements in size, capacity, speed, and power. Unfortunately, none of these are ready for space. The purpose of this research and development is to pursue a non-volatile, 3D memory module that can meet the high-reliability requirements of space and interface to the High Performance Space Computer (HPSC) using a high-speed serial interface. Development will include fabricating a 3D memory cube and RTL for a FPGA based memory controller which will eventually be migrated to a rad-hard ASIC. The FPGA based platform will integrate a 3D memory cube to produce a 3D memory module prototype that will validate and demonstrate the features, reliability, and performance of the envisioned 3D module.","startYear":2018,"startMonth":6,"endYear":2021,"endMonth":12,"statusDescription":"Completed","website":"","program":{"acronym":"SBIR/STTR","active":true,"description":"
The NASA SBIR and STTR programs fund the research, development, and demonstration of innovative technologies that fulfill NASA needs as described in the annual Solicitations and have significant potential for successful commercialization. If you are a small business concern (SBC) with 500 or fewer employees or a non-profit RI such as a university or a research laboratory with ties to an SBC, then NASA encourages you to learn more about the SBIR and STTR programs as a potential source of seed funding for the development of your innovations.
The SBIR and STTR programs have 3 phases:
The SBIR and STTR Phase I contracts last for 6 months with a maximum funding of $125,000, and Phase II contracts last for 24 months with a maximum funding of $750,000 - $1.5 million.
Opportunity for Continued Technology Development Post-Phase II:
The NASA SBIR/STTR Program currently has in place two initiatives for supporting its small business partners past the basic Phase I and Phase II elements of the program that emphasize opportunities for commercialization. Specifically, the NASA SBIR/STTR Program has the Phase II Enhancement (Phase II-E) and Phase II eXpanded (Phase II-X) contract options.
Please review the links below to obtain more information on the SBIR/STTR programs.
Provides an overview of the SBIR and STTR programs as implemented by NASA
Provides access to the annual SBIR/STTR Solicitations containing detailed information on the program eligibility requirements, proposal instructions and research topics and subtopics
Schedule and links for the SBIR/STTR solicitations and selection announcements
Federal and non-Federal sources of assistance for small business
Search our complete archive of awarded project abstracts to learn about what NASA has funded
Still have questions? Visit the program FAQs
","programId":73,"responsibleMd":{"acronym":"STMD","canUserEdit":false,"city":"","external":false,"linkCount":0,"organizationId":4875,"organizationName":"Space Technology Mission Directorate","organizationType":"NASA_Mission_Directorate","naorganization":false,"organizationTypePretty":"NASA Mission Directorate"},"responsibleMdId":4875,"stockImageFileId":36648,"title":"Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer"},"lastUpdated":"2024-1-10","releaseStatusString":"Released","viewCount":133,"endDateString":"Dec 2021","startDateString":"Jun 2018"},"infoText":"Advanced within the program","infoTextExtra":"Another project within the program (FLASHRAD: A Non-Volatile 3D Rad Hard Memory Module for High Performance Space Computers)","dateText":"August 2020"}],"primaryImage":{"file":{"fileExtension":"jpg","fileId":299009,"fileSizeString":"0 Byte"},"id":295544,"description":"FLASHRAD: A 3D Rad Hard Memory Module For High Performance Space Computers, Phase I Briefing Chart Image","projectId":93486,"publishedDateString":""},"responsibleMd":{"acronym":"STMD","canUserEdit":false,"city":"","external":false,"linkCount":0,"organizationId":4875,"organizationName":"Space Technology Mission Directorate","organizationType":"NASA_Mission_Directorate","naorganization":false,"organizationTypePretty":"NASA Mission Directorate"},"program":{"acronym":"SBIR/STTR","active":true,"description":"The NASA SBIR and STTR programs fund the research, development, and demonstration of innovative technologies that fulfill NASA needs as described in the annual Solicitations and have significant potential for successful commercialization. If you are a small business concern (SBC) with 500 or fewer employees or a non-profit RI such as a university or a research laboratory with ties to an SBC, then NASA encourages you to learn more about the SBIR and STTR programs as a potential source of seed funding for the development of your innovations.
The SBIR and STTR programs have 3 phases:
The SBIR and STTR Phase I contracts last for 6 months with a maximum funding of $125,000, and Phase II contracts last for 24 months with a maximum funding of $750,000 - $1.5 million.
Opportunity for Continued Technology Development Post-Phase II:
The NASA SBIR/STTR Program currently has in place two initiatives for supporting its small business partners past the basic Phase I and Phase II elements of the program that emphasize opportunities for commercialization. Specifically, the NASA SBIR/STTR Program has the Phase II Enhancement (Phase II-E) and Phase II eXpanded (Phase II-X) contract options.
Please review the links below to obtain more information on the SBIR/STTR programs.
Provides an overview of the SBIR and STTR programs as implemented by NASA
Provides access to the annual SBIR/STTR Solicitations containing detailed information on the program eligibility requirements, proposal instructions and research topics and subtopics
Schedule and links for the SBIR/STTR solicitations and selection announcements
Federal and non-Federal sources of assistance for small business
Search our complete archive of awarded project abstracts to learn about what NASA has funded
Still have questions? Visit the program FAQs
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