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Client context
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.
The challenge
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.
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.
What it took to deliver results
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.
The solution
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.
Technology stack:
- FPGA and SoC architectures for programmable logic
- Altium Designer for PCB design
- LTspice for circuit simulation
- Vivado for FPGA development
How it works
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
Impact on operations
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.
Business impact
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.
We’ll review your goals, technical constraints, and opportunities to design a solution that fits your organization.
