Imagine if building a satellite was like building a PC with off-the-shelf parts that don't quite fit, making it bulky and slow. This project creates a way to design custom-made computer chips specifically for space, almost like tailoring a suit instead of buying one-size-fits-all. It uses a smart automated system to design these chips much faster, making satellites smaller, tougher, and more efficient.
Satellite manufacturers rely on standardized, off-the-shelf microchips that are often inefficient, bulky, and subject to supply chain vulnerabilities. This creates functional gaps and increases the cost and time required for each mission.
A flight-representative Power Conditioning and Distribution Unit (PCDU) and the Agile Semiconductor Engine, a design automation toolset to speed up custom chip creation.
If you are a satellite integrator dealing with long lead times and bulky off-the-shelf electronics — this project developed a custom PCDU and an Agile Semiconductor Engine that reduces chip design time by over 50%. This allows for more compact subsystems and lower mission expenses.
If you are an avionics supplier dealing with vulnerable microchip supply chains — this project developed a custom chip design strategy that reduces reliance on commodity components. This ensures better control over the tech stack and higher reliability in harsh space environments.
If you are a CubeSat developer dealing with strict power and size constraints — this project developed a scalable PCDU architecture that works from CubeSats to multi-kW satellites. This maximizes efficiency through generative design to fit more capability into smaller frames.
The project targets a projected revenue of €30M/yr by 2030 by selling satellite avionics to satellite integrators.
The Agile Semiconductor Engine reduces IC design time by over 50% and significantly reduces expenses per satellite mission.
Yes, the modular PCDU architecture supports scalability from small CubeSats up to multi-kW satellites.
Based on available project data, the project developed a design automation framework (PRIME, FACTOR, ICFLOW, SIMFLOW, LAYOUT), but specific licensing terms are not disclosed.
The PCDU is compliant with ECSS standards and has undergone FMECA to identify and mitigate over 130 failure modes.
A first version of the PCDU has already been developed, qualified, and integrated onto a spacecraft.
The project is led by a single Dutch SME, SPHERICAL SYSTEMS BV. With a 100% industry ratio and no university or research partners, the project is lean and commercially driven, focusing on rapid development and direct market capture rather than academic exploration.
Contact SPHERICAL SYSTEMS BV in the Netherlands for avionics integration
Contact us to connect with the SPHERICAL team for custom satellite chip design
