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Dual-channel Multi-Nyquist Zone DAC with Digital Up-conversion
Completed
TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
Description
Pacific Microchip Corp. proposes to develop a rad-hard dual-channel 8-bit DAC ASIC sampling at up to 30GS/s and able to operate in several Nyquist zones. The ASIC is targeted for synthesis of the transmitter waveform in radar instruments used for planetary remote sensing applications. Instead of directly synthesizing entire signal bandwidth, a digital up-conversion technique and interpolation with a configurable factor will be used in the DAC. This approach will allow us to translate the signal with narrow bandwidth to any RF frequency within 3 adjacent Nyquist zones of the DAC. The presence of two DACs on the ASIC will make possible to synthesize two waveforms with a small phase error. Seeking to maximize the performance, the DAC will employ calibration using a built-in CPU and finite-state machines. For convenient interfacing with FPGAs at up to 8x8.75Gb/s (4 lanes per DAC), the ASIC will include a JESD204B standard compliant interface. Phase I work will provide the proof of DAC feasibility – critical blocks will be implemented and verified at the targeted technology node. In Phase II, a silicon proven prototype ASIC will be provided.
Benefits
Radar instruments in planetary remote sensing systems Global precipitation measurement mission Global atmospheric composition mission Ku- and X-band radars on the SCLP mission Ka- and Ku-band radars on the SWOT mission
Future communication systems Synthetic aperture radars in active sensors Arbitrary waveform generators Transmitters for SDRs and 5G communication systems Communications test equipment
Details
| Technology area | Sensors and Instruments > Remote Sensing Instruments and Sensors > Microwave, Millimeter Waves, and Submillimeter Waves |
| Program | Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer (SBIR/STTR) |
| Lead organization | Pacific Microchip Corporation, Culver City, CA |
| Start date | 2021-05-19 |
| End date | 2021-11-19 |
Project contacts
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How to get involved
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
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