Title:  Characterization And Mitigation Of Single-Event Effects In Rf Circuits And Systems

Committee: 

Dr. Cressler, Advisor     

Dr. Lourenco, Chair

Dr. Wang

Abstract:

The objective of the proposed research is to develop new characterization and mitigation techniques for single-event effects (SEEs) in RF circuits and systems intended for space applications. Orbital and space radiation environments can strongly limit the performance and reliability of spacecraft payloads. When energetic particles traverse electronic systems, they can generate voltage and current spikes known as single-event transients (SET), a type of SEE. These SETs have been known to cause malfunctions in several spacecraft, including NASA's Microwave Anisotropy Probe, which resulted in the loss of scientific data. Thus, before sending electronic systems to space, their SEE response must be characterized to ensure their proper operation. Historically, the radiation effects community has focused on studying digital systems, since this is where they were first discovered. Few studies have focused on the RF circuits and systems used to communicate with spacecraft. There is an increasing demand for faster data transmission, and higher-order data modulation schemes could be the answer. However, this solution could increase the SEE sensitivity of RF systems and must be studied carefully. To enable these studies, new characterization techniques and performance metrics must be established. The primary goals of the proposed research are to 1) show how pulsed lasers can be used to characterize electronic systems; 2) demonstrate a new characterization technique for RF systems; and 3) present techniques for detection and mitigation of SETs in RF systems.  The results of the present research will enable the design of more robust communications systems for space applications that can operate at higher data transmission rates.