Op amps provide ‘best in class’ radiation performance
1 min read
STMicroelectronics has expanded its European Rad-Hard aerospace range with the addition of four amplifiers which have achieved QML V qualification.
Alberto De Marco, ST general manager, High-reliability and Standard Products Division, the qualification will enable ST to strengthen its position in the global satellite industry. "Global revenues totalled $168billion in 2010, for an 11.2% average annual industry growth rate over the past five years," said De Marco. "With many of the activities of our lives depending on satellites – entertainment, navigation, communication – their functioning and reliability is extremely important, making it critical for electronic components, like those we are introducing today, to withstand the high levels of radiation in space."
The first device is the RHF484, a quad version of its RHF43B and alterative to industry standard products. It is packaged in t a Flat-14W and achieved QML V qualification in August 2011. The RHF310 and RHF330 are described as 'very low power' 5V op amps and are suitable for a range of signal conditioning applications. The 120MHz and 1GHz versions are already QMV V qualified. Another device, the 550MHz RHF350 is expected to be qualified in Q4 2011.
ST claims the products will strengthen its position in the market by providing protection against transient glitches caused by heavy ions – known as single event transients – that are particularly challenging for analogue components used in space.
