The project aims to realize a strong methodology for the development and design of a radiation hard non-volatile memory technology by using standard CMOS silicon processing. Since standard silicon memories, such as flash memories tend to fail under irradiation, a new approach is envisaged: the development of a specific memory technology, so called resistive random-access memory (RRAM), which is able to sustain heavy ions and other charged particles. The switching effect of RRAM devices is caused by chemical Redox-reactions, therefore, radiation effects like total ionizing dose and single event effects don’t affect the switching mechanism. Semiconductor memories, among rad hard integrated circuit scenario, are one of the most critical topics for space applications. Actually both volatile and nonvolatile memories, excluding few exceptions, are integrated using standard processes and standard architectures. This means that the final device is typically at least Rad tolerant and not Rad Hard and failure during mission is avoided using Error Correcting Code techniques including redundancy at the board level. The basic goal of the project is to give a methodology for the development of a new rad-hard nonvolatile RRAM memory with high-performance features like good retention, re-programmability and cycling, and realize a prototype (1Mbit RRAM memory) in order to validate the approach.

The MORAL project has two main goals. The first goal is to develop a completely European, ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) free microcontroller for space applications, focused on small satellites, flight control and payload computers for the purposes of mission control, earth observation, navigation and many other applications. The processor core of the microcontroller is based on a novel IHP Peaktop architecture, including novel, European instruction set. The microcontroller will provide mechanisms for increased reliability and adaptability according to the needs of the space applications. Besides the microcontroller, the required ITAR-free middleware, RTOS (Real Time Operating System) and toolchain will be also avThe MORAL project basically has two objectives. One is to develop a completely European, ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) free microcontroller for space applications, focused on small satellites, flight control and payload computers for the purposes of mission control, earth observation, navigation and many other applications. The processor core of the microcontroller is based on a novel IHP Peaktop architecture, including novel, European instruction set. The microcontroller will provide mechanisms for increased reliability and adaptability according to the needs of the space applications. Besides the microcontroller, the required ITAR-free middleware, RTOS (Real Time Operating System) and toolchain will be also available. Achievement of TRL 6 is planned. The other goal is to establish a new European company held by the core consortium partners involved in the project, which will target a trans-continental market. This new company, as the last stage of the evolution of the project, will sell the microcontroller and give support to the market. It will be focused to produce the microcontroller that can bootstrap the European market for space applications. In particular, we will target the fast growing small satellite market.