Radiation Hardened, Low Power, Variable Bandwidth/Resolution Digital-to-Analog or Analog-to-Digital Converters

This proposed innovative research , code named"Chameleon", will create an insystem field programmable ADC and DAC, both rad-hard and suitable for space and aeronautical applications. Converter designers have traditionally solved point problems starting with a target resolution and bandwidth, and then optimizing power for that application. Power efficiency of these converters suffers significantly when they are operated at reduced bandwidth or resolution. The Chameleon approach begins with a unique and patented Sigma-Delta converter architecture which, by changing modulator coefficients, may be programmed to efficiently trade off bandwidth for resolution. By simultaneously addressing all five of the major determinants of converter performance: modulator coefficients, sampling capacitance, clock rate, bias current, and digital signal processing; this approach delivers an ADC and DAC which will maintain high power efficiency even while being configured across a wide range of bandwidth and resolution settings. The targets will be capable of resolution up to 22 bits and conversion speeds to 5 MSPS (million samples per second) The Phase 1 effort will examine the tradeoffs between broad programmability and complexity, as they affect feasibility, and will deliver simulation models consistent with the recommended structures. Following development phases will result in working silicon.