Advanced Processor Core for Space Exploration

Project Information

APEX

Grant agreement ID: 627579

Project closed

Start date 15 September 2014

End date 14 September 2016

Funded under

• Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)

Total cost € 196 456,20

EU contribution € 196 456,20

Coordinated by

ARM LIMITED
United Kingdom

Objective

The computing demands and the low power requirements of current sophisticated space missions are starting to exceed the performance capabilities delivered by state-of-the-art flight qualified processors, which indeed are several generations behind commercial counterparts. ARM processors are thought to be an alternative in the performance crisis that approaches the space computing field. However, these processors are currently not suitable to be used in space as they are not designed to tolerate high radiation doses and to perform functionalities required by flight missions. The APEX project is aimed at developing a space-grade ARM processor to be used in the computing systems of future space missions. It brings together the microprocessor design expertise of ARM Ltd. and NASA's Jet Propulsion Labororatory's (JPL's) expertise in radiation-tolerant design and spacecraft building.
Namely, the project will study the ARM processor architecture to perform flight functionalities and to mitigate the effect of radiation and conduct research in the development of space-graded processor architecture to preserve the three key features of custom-off-the shelf ARM processors: low-power, customable and high-performance. This will be tested in the context of an instrument that NASA's JPL is planning to propose for multiple future missions to Jupiter's Europa moon, Trojan asteroid and Titan orbiter or lander, where the processing has to be done on-board due to low capacity downlink to earth and the radiation environment can be extremely aggressive such as near Europa. As occurred in the consumer market, low-power, low-cost, customable and high-performance space-grade ARM processors are expected to shape the future of the space sector, creating new opportunities for scientific and commercial exploration missions.

Fields of science

• natural sciences › physical sciences › astronomy › space exploration
• engineering and technology › mechanical engineering › vehicle engineering › aerospace engineering › astronautical engineering › spacecraft
• engineering and technology › electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering › electronic engineering › computer hardware › computer processors
• natural sciences › physical sciences › astronomy › planetary sciences › asteroids
• natural sciences › physical sciences › astronomy › planetary sciences › natural satellites

Programme(s)

• FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)

Topic(s)

• FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IOF - Marie Curie Action: "International Outgoing Fellowships for Career Development"

Call for proposal

FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IOF
See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

MC-IOF - International Outgoing Fellowships (IOF)

Coordinator

ARM LIMITED

• EU contribution: € 196 456,20
• Address: FULBOURN ROAD 110 ; CB1 9NJ CAMBRIDGE ; United Kingdom
• Region: East of England › East Anglia › Cambridgeshire CC
• Activity type: Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
• Administrative Contact: Bruno Jansen (Mr.)
• Total cost: No data