LEON2-FT microprocessor

The LEON family of processors are ESA’s equivalent of ‘Intel Inside’: high-performance 32-bit microprocessors that have been optimised to operate satellites’ onboard computers. The first generation LEON was introduced in 1997 and served various different missions. The LEON2-FT (seen here) is currently flying aboard Proba-2 and running the global ship-tracking Automatic Identification System (AIS) system being trailed aboard the Columbus ISS module.
‘FT’ stands for ‘fault tolerant: its design is proofed against ‘Single Event Upsets’ caused by space radiation and incorporates triple modular redundancy to guard against software flips, with its memory protected by ‘error detection and checking’ and ‘parity bits’ – adding extra bits per memory item so any disruption can be identified. The LEON2-FT is available commercially as the AT-697 processor, sold by ESA’s development partner Atmel Corporation. Two further LEON generations have since been unveiled – the LEON4-FT is the latest.