REBAR - Rad-hard Event-Based Asynchronous ROIC

This proposal details the development of a radiation-hardened event-based sensor (EBS) readout integrated circuit (ROIC) specifically designed for the demanding requirements of space-based infrared (IR) imaging. Current market offerings lack solutions that can withstand the harsh radiation environment of space and simultaneously function effectively at cryogenic temperatures necessary for IR sensing. This presents a significant opportunity for SAAZ's innovative technology.The proposed EBS ROIC tackles several key technical challenges inherent to space-based IR imaging. Firstly, it addresses the critical need for cryogenic compatibility, ensuring reliable operation at extremely low temperatures demanded by IR detectors. Secondly, the ROIC is designed to withstand the damaging effects of space radiation, including total ionizing dose (TID) and single event effects (SEE) like single event latch-ups (SEL) and single event upsets (SEU). This robustness is crucial for long-term mission success and data integrity.Furthermore, power consumption is a critical constraint in space applications. The ROIC incorporates power management features, such as programmable regions of interest for event generation, to optimize power usage and extend mission lifetimes. Additionally, the ROIC enables simultaneous imaging and event-based sensing, providing both contextual information and high-speed tracking capabilities.SAAZ will leverage its proven design expertise to overcome these challenges. This includes pixel circuit optimization to enhance signal-to-noise ratio and handle dual polarities, on-chip processing circuits to accommodate varying IR flux ranges, and comprehensive simulation across room to cryogenic temperatures. Critically, SAAZ has developed a radiation-hardened architecture that ensures the ROIC's resilience in the face of space radiation.This project benefits from SAAZ's existing portfolio of designs and experience. A completed non-radiation-hardened version of the ROIC design serves as a valuable foundation, accelerating development and reducing risk. SAAZ's proven track record in radiation-hardening design, coupled with minimal feature changes required to implement radiation hardness in the existing design, further minimizes technical risks. Finally, the availability of radiation-hardened electronics and space-qualified packaging streamlines the transition of this ROIC into a flight demonstration and ultimately, to a commercially viable product for space-based applications.