Microchip Technology announces low-power transceiver for critical control applications

Microchip Technology has introduced the ATA6571RT CAN FD transceiver, a radiation-tolerant communication interface for space systems. The device supports data rates up to 5 Mbps, providing an upgrade from traditional 1 Mbps CAN interfaces commonly used in spacecraft networks. Its design allows faster data transmission and higher payload capacity, improving overall bus efficiency while maintaining compatibility with existing CAN systems.

The transceiver supports payloads up to 64 bytes per frame, enabling more efficient data handling in satellite and spacecraft architectures. It includes a Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) for improved error detection and reliability in safety-critical applications. The device is suited for use in systems such as propulsion control, platform data management, robotics, and sensor networks.

The ATA6571RT is designed to operate under the harsh environmental conditions of space. It provides resistance to Single-Event Effects (SEE) and Total Ionizing Dose (TID), ensuring consistent performance under radiation exposure. Additional protection features include short-circuit and overtemperature safeguards, along with power management capabilities for local and remote wake-up functions.

For integration at the board level, the ATA6571RT maintains pin compatibility with commercial and ceramic versions, simplifying layout reuse across multiple product types. This supports scalable designs that can be adapted for both prototype and flight-qualified systems.

The device broadens the range of radiation-tolerant communication interfaces available for space missions, complementing existing solutions such as Ethernet, MIL-STD-1553, and SpaceWire. The transceiver is available in 10-unit quantities at $210 per unit.