Performance and Radiation Testing of the Coral TPU Co-processor for AI Onboard Satellites

COTS HW and SW components become crucial for advancing AI in space applications. The CAIRS21 ESA project considers Coral TPU as a candidate AI co-processor in avionics and examines its suitability in terms of performance, programmability/productivity, and radiation tolerance. The current paper focuses on our custom methodology for evaluating TPU, including TID and SEE effects. We assume representative AI benchmarks and irradiation profiles for LEO missions. We define a series of actions and measurements to derive thorough conclusions while avoiding increased time/budget procedures. Additionally, the paper summarizes key findings and a preliminary analysis of results from actual tests. Overall, TPU shows significant benefits when executing embedded AI, as well as promising Krad(Si) and SEE cross-section values.