QuickLogic RadPro FPGA Dev Kit: The First U.S.-Made Rad-Hard FPGA for Defense & Space Engineers
Introduction
For engineers working in aerospace, satellite systems, or defense electronics, one of the biggest challenges has always been sourcing radiation-hardened (rad-hard) FPGAs that are both capable and domestically manufactured. In April 2026, QuickLogic Corporation is changing that landscape with the release of the RadPro FPGA Development Kit — the first U.S.-fabricated radiation-hardened FPGA built on GlobalFoundries' proven 12nm process node.
This isn't a chip for your weekend hobby project. This is serious hardware for serious environments — and for engineers working in those spaces, it could be the most important FPGA launch of 2026.
What Is the QuickLogic RadPro FPGA Dev Kit?
The RadPro FPGA Dev Kit is a complete development platform built around QuickLogic's RadPro FPGA — a radiation-hardened, antifuse-based FPGA designed for high-reliability applications in space, defense, and other radiation-intensive environments. The kit includes both the FPGA hardware and the Aurora FPGA User Tools software, providing a complete end-to-end design flow from RTL (Register Transfer Level) description to final bitstream.
QuickLogic demonstrated the kit at the 41st HEART (Hardened Electronics and Radiation Technology) Conference, April 13–17, 2026, in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Key Specifications
FPGA Core:
- First RadPro FPGA fabricated in the U.S. on GlobalFoundries 12nm process
- Radiation-hardened antifuse architecture
- Designed for Defense Industrial Base (DIB) procurement compliance
Design Tools (Aurora FPGA User Tools):
- Complete RTL-to-bitstream design flow
- Integrated Synopsys Synplify for logic synthesis
- Yosys open-source synthesis integration
- Bitstream generation support
Radiation Hardening:
- Designed to withstand high Total Ionizing Dose (TID) radiation environments
- Single Event Upset (SEU) immune antifuse configuration
- Targeting active defense and space programs
Target Applications:
- Satellite and spacecraft electronics
- Defense avionics
- Military communications
- Nuclear and high-radiation industrial environments
How Does It Compare to Other Rad-Hard FPGAs?
| Feature | Xilinx/AMD Rad-Hard FPGAs | Microsemi RTG4 | QuickLogic RadPro |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Fabrication | Partial | Yes | ✅ Yes (GlobalFoundries 12nm) |
| Process Node | Older nodes | 65nm | ✅ 12nm |
| Antifuse Architecture | No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Open Synthesis (Yosys) | No | No | ✅ Yes |
| eFPGA IP Extensions | No | No | ✅ Yes (roadmap) |
| Defense Program Alignment | Yes | Yes | ✅ Active DIB programs |
The RadPro stands out for its 12nm process node — significantly more advanced than many competing rad-hard solutions — and its dual synthesis flow (Synopsys + Yosys) that gives engineers flexibility.
How Does It Compare to QuickLogic's Previous Products?
| Feature | QuickLogic ArcticLink 3 | QuickLogic RadPro FPGA |
|---|---|---|
| Radiation Hardening | No | ✅ Yes |
| Target Market | Consumer/IoT | Defense/Space |
| U.S. Fabrication | No | ✅ Yes (GlobalFoundries) |
| Process Node | Older | ✅ 12nm |
| eFPGA Roadmap | Yes | ✅ Yes (extensible) |
This represents a significant strategic pivot for QuickLogic into the defense and space market.
Why Should Defense & Space Engineers Care?
- U.S.-made silicon — meets DoD and Defense Industrial Base supply chain requirements for domestic sourcing
- 12nm process — the most advanced process node available in a rad-hard antifuse FPGA, offering better performance and power efficiency
- Antifuse architecture — immune to single-event upsets (SEU), making it inherently more reliable than SRAM-based FPGAs in radiation environments
- Aurora FPGA Tools — complete toolchain included; no need to purchase separate EDA licenses for basic synthesis
- Yosys integration — open-source option for engineers who prefer it, lowering toolchain costs for smaller programs
- eFPGA extensibility — QuickLogic's roadmap includes eFPGA Hard IP for ASIC and SoC integration, meaning the RadPro technology can migrate into custom chips
When Will It Be Available?
QuickLogic is currently accepting initial orders for the RadPro FPGA Dev Kit. Shipments are scheduled to begin following the HEART Conference (April 13–17, 2026). If you are evaluating rad-hard FPGA options for an active defense or space program, now is the time to get on the order list.
👉 We are monitoring availability of the RadPro Dev Kit. Contact us for more information on ordering and evaluation options!
Final Thoughts
The QuickLogic RadPro FPGA Dev Kit is a landmark product for U.S. defense and space electronics. With GlobalFoundries 12nm fabrication, antifuse rad-hard architecture, and a modern open-friendly toolchain, it addresses a real gap in the domestic defense supply chain. If your work involves satellite hardware, military avionics, or any electronics that need to survive radiation environments, the RadPro deserves serious evaluation.