Reconfigurable Course-Grain Analog Arrays

A radiation hardened via-configurable analog array (RHVCAA) is proposed to provide a rapid prototyping mixed signal platform for implementing radiation hardened and high performance custom analog system designs. In phase I the feasibility of implementing RHVCAAs was investigated. Existing Triad semiconductor VCAA technology was assessed to determine modifications required to comply with radiation specifications. TID experiments were performed on a Triad commercial VCAA to determine the radiation hardness. Analysis of an existing bulk processes to meet the desired level of radiation hardness was also completed. Finally, a design methodology for developing RHVCAA¡¦s was developed. Phase I results indicate the RHVCAA concept is practically feasible and would provide and excellent means of developing prototype and production custom analog solutions for MDA applications. Phase II will focus on the realization of the circuit blocks and validation of the radiation requirements conformance. The two key objectives in phase II will be: 1. Development of a RHVCAA test device on IBM¡¦s CMOS7RF (0.18ƒÝ CMOS) process containing analog building blocks necessary to implement the RHVCAAs. 2. Radiation hardness and performance validation of the analog functions implemented on the RHVCAA test device.