Radiation Hardened High Performance ADC

A high-speed, highly-sensitive, analog-to-digital (ADC) data converter, which is radiation-hardened to minimize the transistor leakage problems that cause linearity errors, is needed for Nuclear Physics experiments. The ADC component plays a key role in measurement accuracy; therefore, its excellent specifications, coupled with resistance to the damaging effects of radiation, will improve overall system reliability and reduce maintenance costs. This project will develop a novel ADC architecture that employs a dual stage conversion approach, which maintains high accuracy and wide conversion bandwidth, while consuming low power. The device will be fabricated using the Honeywell HX5000 Silicon-on-Insulator process to immunize the ADC against radiation degradation. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: Novel architectures that provide high speed data conversion and consume low power should find use in the support of portable consumer electronic devices such as video display converters and imaging arrays.