Total dose evaluation of state-of-the-art commercial analog to digital converters for space-based imaging applications

Total ionizing dose evaluation was performed on state-of-the-art commercial analog to digital (A/D) converters for use in space-based imaging applications. Although none of the devices were suitable for imaging, the evaluation showed that at least four of the eleven devices met the 50 krad (Si) failure dose radiation goal. Additionally, some of the A/D converters showed a fast annealing characteristic. With room temperature annealing, one device exhibited at least a threefold increase in failure dose. This project demonstrated that some of the new commercial A/D converters may have space applicability outside of imaging and that a comprehensive testing program is required for COTS parts.