High Resolution ADC on an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (HRADC-ASIC)

ABSTRACT: Performance of space-based digital control systems is limited by the low resolution of available radiation-hardened Analog to Digital Converters (ADCs) and Digital to Analog Converters (DACs). Applied Technology Associates (ATA) proposes to develop a High Resolution ADC on an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (HRADC-ASIC) that provides: Up to 16-22 bits of resolution with corresponding Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) expected to range from 90 dB to 120 dB, a significant improvement over the 14 bits and 86 dB SNR currently available in a rad-hard ADC Variable resolution and bandwidth A radiation-hardened by design part suitable for the space environment Low power, initially estimated at<100 mW Small size and weight, part fits in standard ceramic quad flat packages (CQFP) BENEFIT: A high-resolution radiation-hardened ADC will be a key component in any digital control application in a radiation environment (space or nuclear) requiring high dynamic range. There will be applications in payload and spacecraft sensing and control, launch vehicle engine and fuel control, and nuclear power plant operations, automation and remediation.