A family of radiation tolerant ASICs for spacecraft monitoring and control operations

In this paper, we detail the design, fabrication, and test of a set of architecturally related ASICs implemented using radiation hardened by design (RHBD) techniques. The ASICs are notable for their reuse of common components and interfaces, thereby dramatically reducing design time and cost. These chips perform relatively simple functions such as data conversion, multiplexing, and digital I/O under the control of a simple I2C bus. The intended applications include spacecraft functions such as telemetry sensing and aggregation, digitally controlled potentiometers, etc. The ASICs were fabricated as part of a single reticle and each has been tested and found functional.