Radiation Hardened Power Efficient Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Processor (AIML)

Radiation Hardened Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AIML) processors are essential to NASA applications due to unavoidable evolution in technology that brings computational complexity. Traditional radiation hardening methods incur high size, weight, and power (SWaP) cost. We propose a radiation hardening scheme that employs intelligent analysis of vulnerabilities in the AIML processor that enables hybrid selective redundancy implementation to allow self-healing from radiation effects. The proposed radiation analysis method will use statistical and probabilistic models that can capture the stochasticity of AI, ML and Neural net inference. In Phase I, we designed and validated the radiation analysis model to study the vulnerabilities in a generic AIML circuit-under-test (CUT). This was followed by design and validation of selective redundancy based radiation hardening scheme for AIML CUT. In Phase II, we will optimize the design to meet NASA requirements, build a prototype, and experimentally verify the performance of radiation hardened AIML processor.

We anticipate a wide variety of NASA applications and customers for the Radiation Hardened AIML Processor including: (i) R&D of space technologies for use in more demanding NASA applications, (ii) qualification of AIML processors for performance and reliability, (iii) design of AIML processors for use in harsh environments such as space, nuclear radiation environments, etc., and (iv) design of NASA systems and integration of different sub-systems while ensuring performance and reliability. Commercial customers include developers of micro/nano-satellites, avionics, automotive, telecommunication, consumer electronics, industrial data processing and NASA primes developing electronics for commercial space applications.

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.

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