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STMicroelectronics’ New Space LEO series is a catalog family of radiation-hardened ICs in plastic packages, aimed at cost-conscious low-Earth-orbit satellites and constellations. The nine devices named at launch cover regulation, data conversion, LVDS and basic logic. ST specifies a LEO-oriented radiation profile, including up to 50 krad(Si) total-ionizing-dose immunity and single-event-latchup immunity up to 62.5 MeV·cm²/mg. These parts complement—not replace—ST’s traditional hermetic ceramic QML-V/ECSS components, which offer broader functions and, for many products, higher published radiation ratings.
What ST’s New Space series includes
ST announced the first nine devices on March 9, 2022, for small, lower-cost LEO satellites such as Earth-observation and broadband spacecraft. Their functions address power distribution, onboard computers, telemetry, star trackers and transceivers. ST’s August 2025 flyer describes the family as covering voltage regulators, ADCs, LVDS and logic, and says the parts follow its “ST-LEO-Generic-Specification for ICs.”
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Radiation-Tolerant Delta-Sigma Time-to-Digital Converters (Analog Circuits and Signal Processing) | $99.52 | Buy on Amazon |
| Part number | Function | Key capability stated by ST |
|---|---|---|
| LEO3910 | Adjustable low-dropout regulator | 2 A |
| LEOAD128 | Analog-to-digital converter | 8 channels, 12 bit, 1 Msps |
| LEOLVDSRD | LVDS driver-receiver | 400 Mbps |
| LEOAC00 | Quad NAND gate | Two inputs per gate |
| LEOAC14 | Hex inverter | Schmitt-trigger inputs |
| LEOA244 | Octal bus buffer | Tri-state outputs |
| LEOAC74 | Dual D-type flip-flop | — |
| LEOAC08 | Quad AND gate | Two inputs per gate |
| LEOAC32 | Quad OR gate | Two inputs per gate |
The listed logic functions are the devices ST named at the 2022 launch. The 2025 flyer describes the categories at family level; it does not establish that every launch device is currently in stock or available in every region. Check the exact part number and revision with ST or an authorized distributor before designing around procurement assumptions.
What the radiation figures mean for a LEO mission
ST’s 2022 release gives the LEO series a total-ionizing-dose (TID) immunity of up to 50 krad(Si), high total-non-ionizing-dose (TNID) immunity, and single-event-latchup (SEL) immunity up to 62.5 MeV·cm²/mg. “Up to” matters: it describes the family’s stated upper envelope, not proof that every device has an identical test result or qualification record. The mission’s orbit, duration, shielding, operating conditions and acceptable failure risk still determine whether a specific part is suitable.
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The August 2025 flyer adds test and characterization conditions for the series: high-dose-rate testing at 40 krad(Si)/h, low-dose-rate testing at 10 mrad(Si)/s, TNID testing at 3×10¹¹ protons/cm², and single-event-transient (SET) characterization to 62.5 MeV·cm²/mg. SET characterization and SEL immunity are distinct radiation effects; the flyer’s SET figure should not be substituted for the release’s SEL statement. Ask ST for device-specific reports and limits when a mission analysis depends on a particular result.
ST’s rationale is that Earth’s atmosphere provides more protection in LEO than in higher orbits such as GEO, and LEO missions are generally shorter. That can make a lower radiation-assurance level appropriate for some LEO designs, but it does not make every LEO mission alike. A CubeSat can face a different dose or lifetime from another spacecraft in the same broad orbit, depending on altitude, inclination, shielding and mission duration. The series is explicitly LEO-oriented; do not infer suitability for GEO or a high-dose deep-space mission from its name alone.
How the LEO parts differ from ST’s traditional space ICs
The main trade-off is between a cost- and volume-oriented LEO catalog and a broader traditional space portfolio. ST describes the LEO parts as plastic-packaged devices made through an AEC-Q100-based, statistically controlled production flow intended for constellation volumes. The company says they are ready to use without additional user up-screening; spacecraft-program acceptance and mission-specific qualification decisions nevertheless remain with the system team.
| Decision factor | New Space LEO series | Traditional ST space portfolio |
|---|---|---|
| Radiation profile | Up to 50 krad(Si) TID and SEL immunity up to 62.5 MeV·cm²/mg, as stated for the LEO series by ST’s 2022 release. | ST publishes 100 or 300 krad(Si) ratings for many traditional analog and power products; ratings vary by device and are not a universal portfolio specification. |
| Package and production approach | Plastic packages; AEC-Q100-based, statistically controlled flow intended for high-volume production. | Hermetic ceramic packaging and QML-V/ECSS offerings in relevant product families. |
| Function range | Named launch parts cover an LDO regulator, ADC, LVDS driver-receiver and logic. | Broader catalog coverage includes op amps, references, comparators, DACs, switching converters, PWM controllers and gate drivers, as well as logic and converters. |
| Qualification and design evidence | ST says no additional user up-screening is needed; check device-specific evidence against the mission’s acceptance requirements. | ST describes radiation reports, models, evaluation support and QML-V-qualified products in parts of the portfolio. |
| Customization | Catalog devices for common functions. | Catalog parts plus ASIC and Foundry+ platforms and hardened IP for custom silicon. |
What ST’s traditional rad-hard catalog covers
Logic
ST’s traditional space logic includes high-speed CMOS, 5 V CMOS, 4000-series CMOS and low-voltage HCMOS bus-interface devices. The company also describes grounded-lid ceramic versions and a transfer to a 6-inch wafer fab intended to support product longevity.
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The analog portfolio includes ADCs, DACs, operational amplifiers, differential amplifiers up to 1 GHz, shunt references and comparators. ST says recent 130 nm analog products are rated at 100 or 300 krad(Si), with several described as SEL-free to 120 MeV·cm²/mg; devices are assembled in Rennes in hermetic ceramic packages and QML-V qualified.
For telemetry and imaging, the traditional data-converter range includes QML-V 12- and 14-bit ADCs and DACs. One example is the RHRDAC121, a low-power 12-bit, 1 Msps SPI DAC operating from 2.5–3.3 V, according to ST’s current product information.
Power management
Traditional space power products include LDOs, switching DC/DC point-of-load converters, PWM controllers, gate drivers and an integrated current limiter. ST states 100 or 300 krad(Si) TID capability, ELDRS performance and SEL-free operation to at least 60 MeV·cm²/mg for this portfolio, with qualification documents and models. These are portfolio-level descriptions; consult the exact device’s data sheet and radiation documentation for its limits.
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If a catalog IC does not meet a subsystem’s function, integration or supply-chain requirements, ST also offers rad-hard ASIC and Foundry+ support for prime contractors, payload and subsystem suppliers, and fabless chip makers. ST identifies its ESCC- and QML-certified Rennes facility as central to its space and high-reliability supply chain.
The technology options ST lists include 28 nm FD-SOI digital, analog and RF rad-hard platforms flying in LEO and GEO; 65 nm rad-hard IP; BiCMOS55X and BiCMOS9MW RF/digital technologies flying in LEO; BCD6s SOI power ICs up to 190 V; and imaging CMOS technologies. These are platform capabilities, not ready-made catalog-device specifications: project teams should confirm process availability, IP scope, qualification and schedule with ST. ST also claims more than 45 years of hardening experience, over 1,000 radiation tests on cells and chips, and more than 100 billion cumulative flying hours without failure; those figures are the company’s own statements.
Pricing and sourcing: treat launch figures as historical
ST’s March 2022 announcement reported historical prices of about $70 for logic ICs to $450 for the data converter at an order quantity of roughly 1,000, and development-model prices of $135 to $775 for 10 pieces. These were launch-era figures, not current quotations. They do not establish present-day pricing, inventory, regional lead times or availability. For procurement, search the exact part number, then confirm the package, revision, radiation documentation, stock and delivery terms with ST or an authorized distributor.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
