Mass memories in space systems are evolving from simple tape-like data recorders to complex intelligent (sub)systems capable of autonomous operations. This evolution is driven by more complex functional requirements coming from complex multi-payload missions and by the availability of ever higher density memory components. In commercial markets, NAND flash memories are widespread as data storage in consumer electronics (e.g., USB flash drives) because of their high storage density, low power, low cost and high data throughput. However, hi-rel electronics is struggling in keeping the pace with the aggressive scaling down of NAND flash technology. As a consequence, the use of NAND flash in space applications is not as established as in the consumer market and is still under research. Furthermore, the full commercial availability of space qualified memories is not an option due to costs, manufacturer's interest, long lead times or performance reasons. Adoption of Commercial Of The Shelves (COTS) NAND flashes is unavoidable. Upscreening of COTS memory chips has demonstrated that most of those components are not able to successfully operate and survive in the demanding space environment. The few candidates that demonstrate promising robustness request additional design effort to meet reliability requirements for space missions. Furthermore, long term reliability and combination of aging and radiation effects over mission and storage lifetimes of decades has not been studied in sufficient breadth. This paper aims to provide an overview of the design challenges to overcome when applying latest generation of terrestrial memory technologies in to high reliability space systems.

NAND Flash Storage Technology for Mission-critical Space Applications / Fabiano, Michele; Furano, G.. - In: IEEE AEROSPACE AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS MAGAZINE. - ISSN 0885-8985. - ELETTRONICO. - 28:9(2013), pp. 30-36. [10.1109/MAES.2013.6617096]

NAND Flash Storage Technology for Mission-critical Space Applications

FABIANO, MICHELE;
2013

Abstract

Mass memories in space systems are evolving from simple tape-like data recorders to complex intelligent (sub)systems capable of autonomous operations. This evolution is driven by more complex functional requirements coming from complex multi-payload missions and by the availability of ever higher density memory components. In commercial markets, NAND flash memories are widespread as data storage in consumer electronics (e.g., USB flash drives) because of their high storage density, low power, low cost and high data throughput. However, hi-rel electronics is struggling in keeping the pace with the aggressive scaling down of NAND flash technology. As a consequence, the use of NAND flash in space applications is not as established as in the consumer market and is still under research. Furthermore, the full commercial availability of space qualified memories is not an option due to costs, manufacturer's interest, long lead times or performance reasons. Adoption of Commercial Of The Shelves (COTS) NAND flashes is unavoidable. Upscreening of COTS memory chips has demonstrated that most of those components are not able to successfully operate and survive in the demanding space environment. The few candidates that demonstrate promising robustness request additional design effort to meet reliability requirements for space missions. Furthermore, long term reliability and combination of aging and radiation effects over mission and storage lifetimes of decades has not been studied in sufficient breadth. This paper aims to provide an overview of the design challenges to overcome when applying latest generation of terrestrial memory technologies in to high reliability space systems.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11583/2505972
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