2 Space Qualification Flow Overview

TI has had a long history supporting the space industry by providing hermetically sealed QMLV (Qualified Manufacturer List, Class V) and RHA (Radiation Hardness Assured) components all in accordance with the MIL-PRF-38535 specification. In addition to the qualification standard, these devices are typically supported with extensive Total Ionizing Dose (TID) and Single Event Effects (SEE) radiation reports that are readily available in the product folder for each device. TI continues to support the highest-reliability space applications with ongoing and new development in hermetically sealed QMLV devices.

However, with the reduction in launch costs and stricter budgets, this has resulted in a different approach to satellite manufacturing for new commercial and government applications. To provide a design, TI has provided more cost-effective and smaller designs through a growing portfolio of devices in rad-tolerant Space Enhanced Plastic (denoted by -SEP) to meet the reduced assurance requirements for LEO and MEO constellations. Table 2-1 provides an overview between the differences of Space Enhanced Plastic and QMLV-RHA. For more information on TI's rad-tolerant flow, read how to Reduce the Risk in Low-Earth Orbit Missions with Space Enhanced Plastic Products.