Strengthening European Innovation in CAN FD Connectivity

Designed in Europe. Trusted for Mission-Critical Space and Defense Connectivity. 

The Silent Communication Link Behind Every Mission 

Imagine a satellite orbiting hundreds of kilometers above Earth. Every subsystem, from power management and attitude control to payload monitoring, must continuously exchange information. If a communication link fails, the consequences can extend far beyond a temporary interruption. Mission success depends on reliable data exchange under some of the harshest operating conditions imaginable. 

Just as a spacecraft relies on robust communication between its subsystems, modern aerospace and defense platforms depend on resilient network connectivity. While processors and controllers often take center stage, the transceiver is the critical interface that ensures information reaches its destination accurately and reliably. 

The ATA6571RT CAN FD transceiver was developed to serve exactly this role, providing dependable communication for mission-critical applications while leveraging the expertise of Microchip's European engineering teams.

This article explores why the ATA6571RT is more than a standard CAN FD transceiver. 

You will learn:

• Why CAN FD is increasingly relevant for aerospace and defense architectures

• How the ATA6571RT addresses the reliability requirements of mission-critical systems

• What differentiates it from basic CAN transceivers

• Why a European-developed solution can support strategic goals around technology sovereignty and supply-chain resilience

• How its radiation-tolerant capabilities make it suitable for demanding space applications

Aerospace and Defense Systems Are Evolving

Spacecraft, launch vehicles, defense electronics, avionics subsystems and advanced payloads require ever-greater levels of connectivity. As systems become more distributed, reliable networking becomes a critical design requirement.

CAN has long been valued for its robustness and deterministic operation. Today, CAN FD extends those advantages by enabling higher bandwidth communications while preserving the simplicity and reliability engineers expect from CAN networks. The ATA6571RT supports CAN FD communications up to 5 Mbps and complies with major CAN standards, including ISO 11898-2 and ISO 11898-2:2016.

At the same time, the European aerospace and defense sector is increasingly focused on maintaining local expertise and trusted sources of technology. Solutions developed within Europe help strengthen engineering capabilities and contribute to a more resilient technology ecosystem.

Why the ATA6571RT Stands Out

Developed to Support European Strategic Autonomy

For many aerospace and defense organizations, component selection extends beyond technical specifications. The ATA6571RT represents European semiconductor know-how developed in France, helping customers access a trusted communication solution backed by local engineering expertise. In an environment where technology sovereignty and supply-chain resilience are increasingly important, this European development heritage provides an additional advantage.

Radiation-Tolerant Design for Space Environments

Unlike conventional CAN transceivers, the ATA6571RT has been specifically designed for harsh radiation environments. Its key space-oriented capabilities include:

• Radiation-tolerant architecture
• Total Ionizing Dose (TID) performance exceeding 50 krad (Si)
• Single Event Latch-Up immunity below a LET threshold of 78 MeV·cm²/mg
• Support for space-grade qualification and screening flows

These characteristics make the device particularly attractive for satellites, payload electronics, onboard computers and other spaceborne systems.

More Than a Basic CAN Transceiver

The ATA6571RT delivers a rich set of capabilities beyond simple physical-layer connectivity:

• CAN FD communication up to 5 Mbps
• Excellent EMC performance with low electromagnetic emissions
• High electromagnetic immunity
• Direct interfacing with 3.3V microcontrollers through the VIO pin
• Strong ESD and transient protection

These features help increase system robustness while simplifying design integration.

Optimized for Reliability

Mission-critical systems require built-in safeguards.

The ATA6571RT incorporates:

• Overtemperature protection
• Undervoltage monitoring
• TXD dominant timeout functionality
• Bus dominant and recessive clamping detection
• Automatic fault handling and bus disengagement mechanisms

By integrating these protection functions, the device helps designers improve system availability and reduce risk.

Efficient Power Management for Modern Platforms

Power consumption remains a major consideration for satellites, defense electronics and remote platforms.

The ATA6571RT supports:

• Very low current consumption in Sleep and Standby modes
• Remote Wake-Up Pattern capability
• Local wake-up functionality
• Complete node power-down through the INH output

These capabilities help maximize energy efficiency without sacrificing system responsiveness.

Don't Let the Communication Layer Become the Weakest Link in Your Mission

When your application operates in environments where reliability is non-negotiable, every component choice matters. The ATA6571RT combines radiation-tolerant CAN FD communication, advanced protection features and proven European engineering expertise to help reduce design risk and accelerate development

Evaluate the ATA6571RT now and partner with Microchip to build more resilient, mission-ready systems. To learn more about how the ATA6571RT can support your next space or defense program, visit the product page.  

Explore the ATA6571RT today and discover how a European-developed solution can strengthen your next aerospace or defense platform.