Multi-channel, Bi-directional, User-programmable, Radiation-hardened, High-speed Voltage Level Converter

Existing and future complex command and control systems used in avionics and satellite electronics utilize radiation tolerant (RT) components from a number of logic families with different data rates and I/O interfaces. The resulting incompatibility of blocks and subsystems increases with the migration of the modern electronics to lower power supplies in attempts to reduce its overall power consumption, while preserving higher supply voltages for some well-performing parts of existing systems in order to optimize the performance and cost of those systems. RT level converters play a key role in the integration of multiple replaceable parts within the same infrastructure. In order to increase the expandability, interoperability, and upgrade abilities of the future electronic systems, we propose a novel, bi-directional, universal, RT voltage level converter. This user programmable device will increase the systems flexibility, minimize the cost and efforts required for their development, and help to fulfill the requirements of Plug-and-Play concept. The high speed (up to 10Gb/s) and radiation tolerance will be achieved through utilization of our proprietary differential RT cells developed in the SiGe technology from Jazz Semiconductor. Our efforts will be supported by the US leader in RT circuit design - ATK Mission Research at Albuquerque, NM.