128-Channel Analog Multiplexers Feature Radiation-Hardening Packaging

July 10, 2000

Replacing up to eight industry-standard 16:1 analog multiplexers, the Rad-Pak 64- and 128-channel analog multiplexers feature a packaging technology that enhances radiation tolerance for space-orbit applications. According to their...

Roger Allan

According to their manufacturer, these multiplexers are a cost-effective alternative to specialty components designed specifically for the space market. Spacecraft designers can benefit from the price and technology advantages of commercial components while affording microcircuit packages with radiation shielding that is tailored to their operational space orbit.

The radiation-enhanced (RE) multiplexers can withstand a total radiation dose of 100 krad (silicon). The radiation-hardened (RH) versions can tolerate a radiation dose of 300 krad (silicon). Both types are available with packaging and screening choices to meet MCM Class K requirements.

These devices include fault protection and a low constant on-resistance. They don't suffer from latchup or static-discharge blowout problems. Furthermore, they accept digital inputs that are designed to operate from TTL and CMOS logic levels without the need for pull-up resistors. And, they provide high isolation levels, typically 68 dB at 100 kHz, during power-out conditions.

In 25-unit quantities, the 64- and 128-channel analog multiplexers for Class H devices are priced at $5695 and $8500 each, respectively. Availability is from stock.

Space Electronics Inc., Maxwell Technologies' Electronics Components Group, 4031 Sorrento Valley Blvd., San Diego, CA 92103; (858) 452-4167; fax (858) 452-5499; www.maxwell.com.

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About the Author

Roger Allan

Roger Allan is an electronics journalism veteran, and served as Electronic Design's Executive Editor for 15 of those years. He has covered just about every technology beat from semiconductors, components, packaging and power devices, to communications, test and measurement, automotive electronics, robotics, medical electronics, military electronics, robotics, and industrial electronics. His specialties include MEMS and nanoelectronics technologies. He is a contributor to the McGraw Hill Annual Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. He is also a Life Senior Member of the IEEE and holds a BSEE from New York University's School of Engineering and Science. Roger has worked for major electronics magazines besides Electronic Design, including the IEEE Spectrum, Electronics, EDN, Electronic Products, and the British New Scientist. He also has working experience in the electronics industry as a design engineer in filters, power supplies and control systems.

After his retirement from Electronic Design Magazine, He has been extensively contributing articles for Penton’s Electronic Design, Power Electronics Technology, Energy Efficiency and Technology (EE&T) and Microwaves RF Magazine, covering all of the aforementioned electronics segments as well as energy efficiency, harvesting and related technologies. He has also contributed articles to other electronics technology magazines worldwide.

He is a “jack of all trades and a master in leading-edge technologies” like MEMS, nanolectronics, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, military electronics, biometrics, implantable medical devices, and energy harvesting and related technologies.