Space-Enhanced Plastic ICs Boost LEO Satellite Reliability (Download)
Low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellites are swarming into space to provide enhanced communications, connectivity, and imaging capabilities worldwide. Unlike traditional satellites, which typically circle the earth in synchronous orbits more than 22,000 miles up and are designed to last 10 years or more, LEO satellites operate within 1,300 miles of the earth’s surface and may have expected lifetimes of less than seven years.
LEO satellites require small, integrated components to save circuit-board space. These components must be available with short lead times to meet the fast turnaround requirements of the LEO satellite market, and they must reliably withstand the harsh radiation and thermal-cycling conditions of space. It’s also mandatory that they be able to operate on low power to minimize satellite battery weight and solar-array size.