A document discusses a silicon-oninsulator (SOI) complementary metal oxide/ semiconductor (CMOS) integrated- circuit operational amplifier to be replicated and incorporated into sensor and actuator systems of Mars- explorer robots. This amplifier is designed to function at a supply potential ≤5.5 V, at any temperature from –180 to +120 °C. The design is implemented on a commercial radiationhard SOI CMOS process rated for a supply potential of ≤3.6 V and temperatures from –55 to +110 °C. The design incorporates several innovations to achieve this, the main ones being the following:
- NMOS transistor channel lengths below 1 μm are generally not used because research showed that this change could reduce the adverse effect of hot-carrier injection on the lifetimes of transistors at low temperatures.
- To enable the amplifier to withstand the 5.5-V supply potential, a circuit topology including cascade devices, clamping devices, and dynamic voltage biasing was adopted so that no individual transistor would be exposed to more than 3.6 V.
- To minimize undesired variations in performance over the temperature range, the transistors in the amplifier are biased by circuitry that maintains a constant inversion coefficient over the temperature range.
This work was done by Mohammad Mojarradi, Greg Levanas, Yuan Chen, Elizabeth Kolawa, and Raymond Cozy of Caltech, and Benjamin Blalock, Robert Greenwell, and Stephen Terry of the University of Tennessee for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For more information, download the Technical Support Package (free white paper) at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Electronics/Computers category.
In accordance with Public Law 96-517, the contractor has elected to retain title to this invention. Inquiries concerning rights for its commercial use should be addressed to:
Innovative Technology Assets Management
JPL
Mail Stop 202-233
4800 Oak Grove Drive
Pasadena, CA 91109-8099
(818) 354-2240
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Refer to NPO-42111, volume and number of this NASA Tech Briefs issue.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Wide-Temperature-Range Integrated Operational Amplifier
(reference NPO-42111) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document is a Technical Support Package for the Wide-Temperature-Range Integrated Operational Amplifier, designated as NPO-42111, developed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). It is part of NASA Tech Briefs, which disseminate information about technological advancements with potential applications beyond aerospace.
The operational amplifier discussed is designed to function effectively across a wide temperature range, making it suitable for various environments, particularly in aerospace applications where temperature fluctuations can be extreme. This innovation is significant for enhancing the reliability and performance of electronic systems used in space exploration and other demanding conditions.
The document emphasizes the importance of this technology under the Commercial Technology Program, which aims to promote the commercialization of aerospace-related developments. By making such technologies available, NASA seeks to foster innovation and collaboration with industry partners, thereby expanding the impact of its research.
Additionally, the document provides contact information for further inquiries, directing interested parties to the Innovative Technology Assets Management office at JPL. This office can provide additional resources and support for those looking to explore the applications of the Wide-Temperature-Range Integrated Operational Amplifier or other related technologies.
The notice included in the document clarifies that the information is provided under the sponsorship of NASA and that the U.S. Government does not assume liability for the use of this information. It also states that any mention of trade names or manufacturers is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement by NASA.
In summary, the Technical Support Package for the Wide-Temperature-Range Integrated Operational Amplifier highlights a significant technological advancement from NASA, aimed at improving the performance of electronic systems in extreme conditions. It serves as a resource for potential commercial applications and encourages collaboration between NASA and industry to leverage this innovation for broader use.
