On October 9, 2026, Microchip Technology announced its acquisition of Austin-based VORAGO Technologies, a privately held developer of radiation-hardened and radiation-tolerant microcontrollers (MCUs) and microprocessors (MPUs); transaction terms were undisclosed and the deal was not expected to materially affect Microchip’s consolidated financial results.[1][2][7] VORAGO, founded in 2004, brings its HARDSIL® process technology and chips designed for high-radiation environments and temperatures up to 200°C.[1][5]
The acquisition could improve the survivability and availability of processors used in lunar robotics, power control, communications, sensor networks, navigation, and life-support systems. HARDSIL is intended to reduce development time and cost for radiation-hardened products and can increase the radiation tolerance of existing products without a redesign.[1][2] However, radiation hardness alone does not establish mission suitability: the Ark must still verify total-ionizing-dose performance, single-event effects, thermal cycling, vacuum operation, long-duration reliability, software assurance, and supply continuity. Concentration of critical components under one commercial supplier also creates a strategic failure point.
Track Microchip’s post-acquisition product roadmaps, qualification data, lifecycle commitments, export controls, fabrication sites, and licensing terms for HARDSIL; request engineering samples and radiation-test reports; and evaluate qualified VORAGO-derived MCUs or MPUs for redundant, dissimilar-control architectures. Preserve independent designs, radiation-test fixtures, firmware toolchains, and manufacturing documentation so the Ark can reproduce or substitute controllers if commercial supply ends.