This Open Source Silicon Stream #15 provides a comprehensive update on the "SpASICs" project, which aims to launch Tiny Tapeout 6 designs into low Earth orbit aboard a Pocket Cube satellite. The discussion details the custom SpaceX board, featuring a Tiny Tapeout ASIC interfaced with an RP2040 microcontroller for experiment management and satellite communication. A robust experiment testing framework is presented, encouraging community contributions with a tight deadline. Several submitted experiments are highlighted, including an XY controller, a direct temperature sensor, a single-event upset (SEU) detector, and the Lisa microcontroller. The stream also covers broader open-source silicon news, such as upcoming conferences (DAC, ORConf, Swiss Chips), the release of Frans's thesis on Spade and Surfer (including a browser-based waveform viewer), an interview about Shaffin's 180 GHz RF amplifier, and an introduction to the configurable analog MOSBius chip. Challenges of operating in the space environment, such as extreme temperatures and potential radiation effects, are also discussed.
Exploring Open Source Silicon in Orbit and Beyond: Stream #15 Highlights
0:02 Open Source Silicon Stream #15: Introduction to the stream, with the main topic being the SpASICs project.
1:02 News - DAC Birds of a Feather: An open-source EDA (Electronic Design Automation) event is scheduled for June 24th at the DAC conference in San Francisco, which is free for the open-source section.
3:23 ORConf Announcement: The conference will be held from September 12th to 14th in Valencia, with the host helping to organize.
3:44 Swiss Chips & FSiC: Event scheduled for September 27th to 30th in Zurich, including a workshop and plans for an open-source silicon enthusiast dinner.
4:26 New Inverter Model & Activity Guides: A larger, magnet-based push-fit inverter model is presented for exhibition, along with activity guides for conferences, including interactive projects like a VGA Dino game and a simulator.
8:51 Frans's Thesis Published: Congratulations to Frans for publishing his thesis, which includes the Spade and Surfer projects, notably Surfer, a browser-based waveform viewer. Surfer is planned for integration into Tiny Tapeout actions.
11:46 Shaffin's RF Amplifier Interview: An upcoming interview with Shaffin, who taped out a 180 GHz RF amplifier using IHP transistors and Open EMS, is announced.
13:36 MOSBius Project Introduction: The MOSBius chip is discussed, which features configurable N and P MOSFETs and an internal switch matrix for building arbitrary analog circuits. The potential for a "mini-MOSBius" on Tiny Tapeout is explored.
19:26 Born Hack Plug: A reminder about Born Hack, an outdoor hacker festival starting July 6th, where semiconductor workshops will be hosted.
20:23 SpASICs Project Update: Pat Degan provides an update on the SpASICs project, focusing on sending Tiny Tapeout 6 designs into low Earth orbit via a pocket cube satellite. A one-month extension for submissions is announced.
21:35 SpaceX Board Details: The SpASICs board connects a Tiny Tapeout ASIC to a Raspberry Pi Pico (RP2040) microcontroller, handling I2C communication with the satellite and managing on-chip experiments.
23:01 Experiment Testing Framework: A framework for developing and testing experiments is available on Tiny Tapeout boards, replicating the SpaceX board's functionality.
23:34 Experiment Submission Details: Experiments are created as sub-modules, managed by an experiment_runner that handles parameters, receives responses (as byte arrays up to 10 bytes), and responds to termination signals.
24:52 XY Controller Example: An XY controller project is demonstrated as an example of an on-chip experiment.
29:57 Available Experiments: Several community-submitted experiments are highlighted, including an "oscillating bones" (indirect temperature sensor), a direct temperature sensor by Mike Bell, and a Single Event Upset (SEU) detector (TT_T06_105).
34:59 Lisa Microcontroller Experiment: The Lisa microcontroller, a well-documented project with 128 bytes of DFF RAM, is included as an experiment for SpASICs.
35:12 Successful Participation: The project has exceeded its initial goal of 10 experiments, showcasing strong community engagement.
35:51 Challenges in Space: Concerns are raised about the harsh space environment, including extreme temperatures (down to -40°C or -80°C) and the possibility of radiation-induced bit flips.
45:10 Community Call to Action: A reminder that there are four days left to submit SpASICs experiments, with encouragement to join the Tiny Tapeout Discord channel for assistance. Analog projects are not supported on the current SpASICs setup.
46:19 Pat's YouTube Channel: Viewers are encouraged to check out Pat's YouTube channel for more videos on the SpaceX board design and KiCad topics.