Microchip Technology Inc (Nasdaq: MCHP) has announced the launch of its Radiation-Tolerant (RT) ATA6571RT CAN FD Transceiver, a high-performance communication interface engineered to meet the rigorous demands of space applications. The new device supports data transfer rates of up to 5 Mbps, enabling faster and more reliable communication for satellites, spacecraft, and other space-based systems.
Compared to traditional CAN transceivers limited to 1 Mbps, the ATA6571RT offers a fivefold increase in data bandwidth and accommodates payloads up to 64 bytes per frame, reducing bus load and improving overall system efficiency. The device maintains backward compatibility with classic CAN systems, ensuring a seamless upgrade path for existing space communication networks.
Designed with advanced Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) mechanisms, the transceiver delivers enhanced error detection and data integrity for safety-critical applications such as propulsion systems, robotic operations, on-board computers for nanosatellites, and sensor networks. To simplify integration, the device remains pin-compatible with existing Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) plastic or ceramic versions.
“The ATA6571RT offers a compact, cost-efficient, and power-optimized solution tailored to the extreme conditions of space,” said Leon Gross, Corporate Vice President of Microchip’s Aerospace and Defense business. “Our products have a long legacy of success in both New Space and deep space missions, and this latest addition reinforces our leadership in delivering dependable, high-reliability solutions for aerospace applications.”
Engineered to withstand harsh radiation environments, the ATA6571RT is resistant to Single-Event Effects (SEE) and Total Ionizing Dose (TID) exposure. It also features low-power operation, local and remote wake-up capabilities, and built-in short-circuit and overtemperature protection for long-term reliability. With this new release, Microchip expands its comprehensive portfolio of radiation-tolerant and radiation-hardened communication interfaces, which includes Ethernet, MIL-STD-1553, and SpaceWire solutions—empowering designers to build resilient systems for aerospace and defense missions.
Microchip Technology Inc is a leading global supplier of semiconductor and system solutions, helping customers design innovative products across industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace and defense, communications, and computing sectors. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, the company provides a complete ecosystem of development tools and support, enabling faster and more reliable product design from concept to deployment.
