Accelerated AI Inferencing for Space Applications with new AMD Versal AI Edge Adaptive SoC A computer chip in space

AMD is extending its leadership in radiation-tolerant, space-grade adaptive compute solutions with the announcement of the Versal™ AI Edge XQRVE2302, the second device in the Versal adaptive SoC portfolio to be qualified for space flight.

The XQRVE2302 is the first time we’ve offered an adaptive SoC for space applications in a small form-factor (23mm x 23mm) package. The device has a 75% smaller board area and power savings relative to the existing Versal AI Core XQRVC1902.

The XQRVE2302 is one of the first Versal devices to integrate enhanced AMD AI Engine (AIE) technology, known as AIE-ML, which has been optimized for machine learning (ML) applications by offering extended support for data types prevalent in ML inferencing (INT4 and BFLOAT16) and superior performance over the original AIE for ML inference focused applications. Developers can convert raw sensor data into useful information, making the XQRVE2302 ideal for anomaly and image detection applications.

In contrast to other radiation-tolerant FPGAs, XQR Versal adaptive SoCs support unlimited reprogramming during development and after deployment, including in-flight in the harsh radiation environment of space. The security features of the Versal Adaptive SoC help prevent tampering and unwanted configuration changes. This supports satellite operators in safely changing processing algorithms after launching a satellite, allowing for flexibility in remote sensing and communications applications.  

AMD and independent organizations have tested the XQR Versal SoC device’s radiation tolerance and have been determined to be capable of supporting missions from low-earth orbit to geosynchronous earth orbit and beyond.