French developer of light space launch systems
A France-based aerospace company developing next-generation light launch systems, focused on delivering flexible and innovative solutions for modern space missions. Since 2020, the organization has been advancing technologies that require both high performance and adaptability in demanding space environments.
Balancing weight, reliability, and flexibility in launcher electronics
Designing electronics for aerospace applications requires balancing multiple, often conflicting constraints, including weight, reliability, manufacturability, and flexibility.
The client needed a programmable device that could adapt to different mission requirements while maintaining consistent performance in harsh space conditions. The project called for aerospace embedded systems engineering expertise to balance reconfigurability, real-time processing, and reliability within strict mission constraints.
At the same time, the system had to support future modifications without requiring a full redesign, making flexibility a critical requirement. Achieving this level of adaptability without compromising real-time performance or system stability presented a significant engineering challenge.
Requirements for reconfigurable, lightweight aerospace electronics
To meet these requirements, the solution needed to:
- combine programmable logic with high-performance processing
- support multiple mission configurations within a single platform
- minimize weight while maintaining structural integrity
- ensure reliability in harsh environmental conditions
- optimize power consumption for aerospace constraints
- enable future modifications without redesigning the system
The goal was to create a versatile building block for aerospace electronics that could evolve alongside mission requirements.
FPGA-based programmable platform on HDI multilayer PCBs
A programmable electronics platform was developed, combining FPGA-based logic with processing capabilities in a single, compact architecture. Instead of designing a fixed-function system, the solution was built as a flexible foundation that can be adapted through both software and hardware-level changes.
Advanced PCB design techniques, including HDI and multi-layer layouts, were used to reduce size and weight while maintaining performance. Power management was carefully optimized to meet the strict constraints of aerospace systems, while a dedicated enclosure was designed to protect the electronics from environmental stress.
By integrating configurable logic and processing into one system, the platform provides a balance between flexibility and reliability, allowing it to support a wide range of mission scenarios.
The project demonstrates how FPGA architecture, PCB layout, and power management influence the performance and adaptability of aerospace electronics. Our guide to embedded hardware design explains the engineering decisions behind reliable, configurable electronic systems.
Technology stack:
- FPGA and SoC architectures for programmable logic
- Altium Designer for PCB design
- LTspice for circuit simulation
- Vivado for FPGA development
How FPGA logic and embedded software adapt to missions
The system combines programmable logic and processing capabilities, enabling real-time execution of tasks while allowing for reconfiguration based on mission needs. FPGA-based architecture provides flexibility at the hardware level, while embedded software enables dynamic control and adaptation.
Power management systems ensure efficient energy usage, while the physical design protects components from external conditions. This combination allows the system to operate reliably while remaining adaptable to new requirements.
Key capabilities:
- FPGA-based programmable architecture
- Combined logic and processing in a single platform
- Support for multiple mission configurations
- Compact and lightweight design (HDI, multi-layer PCB)
- Optimized power management for aerospace use
- Robust enclosure for harsh environments
New mission configurations without hardware redesign
The solution provided a flexible and reliable electronics platform that can be adapted to different mission requirements without redesigning the system. This significantly reduces development time for new configurations while maintaining consistent performance across use cases.
At the same time, the compact and optimized design improves efficiency and supports the strict constraints of aerospace applications.
Results: flexible mission configuration and lower system weight
The solution delivered improvements across key areas:
- Flexible mission configuration, reducing need for redesign
- High reliability, in harsh aerospace environments
- Reduced system weight, improving efficiency
- Faster development cycles, through reusable architecture
- Improved performance, with real-time processing capabilities
- Future-ready platform, supporting evolving mission needs
The platform serves as a foundation for further development of aerospace electronics, supporting new projects and expanding capabilities over time. Ongoing collaboration enables continuous refinement and adaptation to emerging requirements in the space industry.
Frequently asked questions
How do HDI and multi-layer PCB layouts reduce weight in launcher electronics?
HDI and multi-layer PCB layouts reduce board size and weight by fitting the routing into a smaller, layered footprint while keeping performance. In this project, InTechHouse designed the HDI and multi-layer layouts in Altium Designer to keep the aerospace platform compact, simulated circuits in LTspice and added a dedicated enclosure to protect the electronics from environmental stress.
Why combine FPGA logic and embedded software in aerospace electronics instead of a fixed-function design?
FPGA logic gives flexibility at the hardware level, while embedded software adds dynamic control and adaptation, so one platform can be reconfigured for new mission needs. In this project, InTechHouse built a programmable foundation rather than a fixed-function system, developed the FPGA side in Vivado, and made the platform adaptable through both software and hardware-level changes.
How does an FPGA-based launcher electronics platform stay reliable in harsh space conditions?
Reliability in harsh conditions comes from optimized power management, a protective enclosure and a board design that keeps structural integrity while minimizing weight. In this project, InTechHouse optimized power management for the strict constraints of aerospace systems and designed a dedicated enclosure against environmental stress, while keeping real-time processing performance consistent across mission configurations.
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