Title: Characterisation of operational amplifiers at cryogenic temperatures for space applications

Authors: Jared Johnson; Michael G. Daly; David M. Hiemstra

Addresses: Centre for Research in Earth and Space Science (CRESS), York University, Toronto, Ontario, M3J 1P3, Canada ' Centre for Research in Earth and Space Science (CRESS), York University, Toronto, Ontario, M3J 1P3, Canada ' MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd., Brampton, Ontario, L6S 4J3, Canada

Abstract: There is considerable interest in using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) electronic components for space applications. These devices can provide many advantages for the development of space hardware. These advantages include: lower power consumption, better availability, superior performance and higher levels of integration. One significant performance parameter for devices is their lowest operational temperature. Extending the operational range of devices is important to decrease the amount of energy used to maintain their operating environment. Lower energy consumption enables their use in smaller instruments and spacecraft with low energy generation potential and/or low thermal mass. In this paper, we present the results of the testing of a variety of commercial operational amplifiers. CMOS, JFET and bipolar operational amplifiers were tested under cryogenic temperature conditions to determine their suitability for space applications. The performance characteristics studied were: offset voltage, total harmonic distortion (THD), change in open loop gain, and noise voltage.

Keywords: cryogenic temperatures; space applications; CMOS operational amplifiers; JFET operational amplifiers; bipolar operational amplifiers; low temperature; commercial off-the-shelf; COTS electronic components; operating temperatures; offset voltage; total harmonic distortion; THD; open loop gain; noise voltage.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSPACESE.2013.058857

International Journal of Space Science and Engineering, 2013 Vol.1 No.3, pp.311 - 327

Received: 30 Aug 2013
Accepted: 18 Oct 2013
Published online: 30 Apr 2014 *

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