Cryo Motor Controller ASIC Study (Cryo Motor Controller)

This activity is to perform a comprehensive Cryo/Rad Hard Motor Controller Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) Design Study. This study aims to define the architecture and development path for a highly robust motor controller ASIC capable of operating in extreme cryogenic temperatures and high-radiation environments. This study builds off of multiple different technology development paths, including prior SBIR contracts, Distributed Extreme Environments Drive System (DEEDS), Cold Operable Lunar Deployable Arm (COLDArm), Dual Axis Controller for Extreme Environments (DACEE). The scope of work will use Motiv Space Systems existing controllers as a reference commercial design and incorporate the lessons learned from these prior efforts. Motiv will partner with Georgia Tech to evaluate the analog signal chain composition to determine which analog functions, such as voltage references, op-amps, multiplexers, and ADCs, can be consolidated into an analog ASIC topology. Concurrently, Motiv will evaluate the digital controller system to identify any gaps in functionality or interfaces, or functions that should be removed. The study will further identify paths for monolithic versus dual ASIC productions, considering extreme temperature and radiation performance.  This Phase III design study represents a critical logical conclusion and extension of prior SBIR efforts that would have identified the critical need and preliminary feasibility for developing such cryo/rad-hard motor control solutions. The outputs of this study will significantly advance the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) for integrated motor control in extreme environments, reducing risks and costs for future NASA flight programs. This task is responsive to recommendations from a recent NESC study on cold-tolerant avionics (https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20250008583/downloads/20250008583.pdf).

​This SBIR Phase III design study represents a critical logical conclusion and extension of prior SBIR efforts that would have identified the critical need and preliminary feasibility for developing such cryo/rad-hard motor control solutions.  This task is responsive to recommendations from a recent NESC study on cold-tolerant avionics (https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20250008583/downloads/20250008583.pdf). Specifically, this effort responds to Recommendation R-3 to "develop a cold capable electronics ecosystem" with "identified development of high value technologies​". In addition, lessons learned in prior work touch on Recommendations R-5.4 and R-5.5 identified by the NESC.​​ The outputs of this study will significantly advance the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) for integrated motor control in extreme environments, reducing risks and costs for future NASA flight programs. The effort will include paths to qualification, identify limitations in manufacturing process readiness and architecture that may need to be addressed and recommend a path forward to address them.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.