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A Signal Frequency Channelizer ASIC
Completed
TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
Description
Far-infrared and sub-mm astronomy employs MKIDs for ultimate sensitivity and resolution exceeding 10,000 pixels. Detector array readout requires RF frequency division multiplexing and complex multichannel signal processing. An FPGA based DSP used for frequency band channelizing and power level measuring in each bin suffers of suboptimum size, weight and power (SWaP). We propose to develop an ASIC which will channelize the spectrum into 1024k frequency bins with 0.95KHz per bin. The ASIC will include two 12-bit 1GS/s ADCs, a data alignment and demultiplexing block, a poly-phase filter bank based FFT core and an accumulation/readout block including a high-speed 16Gbps ESI Stream interface. Additionally, the ASIC will include a PLL for clock synthesis, a debug memory for storing of short duration raw digitized data or the debug data for the FFT core. A digital control subsystem will handle the entire ASIC’s operation and communication. In addition to minimized SWaP, the ASIC will tolerate TID and SEE, and will operate below standard -40C temperature. Within Phase I we will provide the proof of feasibility of implementing the proposed ASIC. Phase II will result in the silicon proven ASIC prototypes.
Benefits
Single photon sensitive focal planes from IR to X-ray For Earth, balloon and space based telescopes and radiometers Mission examples: JPSS-2, 3, 4, PACE and TROPICS Spectrometer systems for remote sensing
MKID based single photon sensitive imaging for remote sensing and surveillance Specialized spectrometers for temperature, vapor, pollutants exploration Generic spectrometers and spectrum analyzers Infrared, visible light, UV and THz imaging in surveillance and security systems
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 | 2022-07-25 |
| End date | 2023-01-25 |
Project contacts
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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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