Press Releases
Apex Microtechnology Announces New Line of Radiation Tolerant Analog Components
TUCSON, Arizona, U.S.A. – May 21, 2024 – Apex Microtechnology is thrilled to announce the launch of its highly anticipated radiation tolerant (RT) product portfolio. After extensive market evaluation and radiation test campaigns, Apex is proud to bring a range of military-grade RT devices to serve the space market and applications in radiation environments. The Apex rad tolerant portfolio will initially feature two operational amplifiers, PA07R and PA08R. Engineers designing with analog components for space applications will find these devices to be in-line with SWaP requirements, as well as feature little to no lead times. Following the release of these devices, Apex plans to launch three more rad tolerant devices in Fall 2024.
PA08R: Radiation Tolerant Power Amplifier with Programmable Current Limit
The PA08R is a high voltage power operational amplifier designed for output voltage swings up to ±145V with a dual supply, or a 290V single supply. This power amplifier delivers high accuracy via a cascode input circuit configuration. All internal biasing is referenced to a zener diode fed by a FET constant current source. As a result, the PA08R features an unprecedented supply range and excellent supply rejection. Target applications for this POA include electrostatic transducers, deflection circuits and programmable power supplies. The PA08R is a hybrid product design housed in an electrically isolated, hermetically sealed 8-pin TO-3 metal package. For continuous operation under load, a heatsink of proper rating is recommended.
PA07R: Radiation Tolerant Power Amplifier with Low Bias Current
The PA07 is a high voltage, high output current operational amplifier designed to drive resistive, inductive, and capacitive loads. For optimum linearity, especially at low levels, the output stage is biased for class A/B operation using a thermistor compensated base-emitter voltage multiplier circuit. A thermal shutoff circuit protects against overheating and minimizes heatsink requirements for abnormal operating conditions. The safe operating area (SOA) can be observed for all operating conditions by selection of user programmable current limiting resistors. The amplifier is internally compensated for all gain settings. For continuous operation under load, a heatsink of proper rating is recommended.
Radiation Tolerant Product Table
Apex Microtechnology has extensive space flight heritage, with devices playing instrumental roles in critical applications on notable missions such as the James Webb Telescope, NASA’s Perseverance Rover, Libera, OSIRIS-REx, the International Space Station, among others. Common applications for Apex rad tolerant devices include but are not limited to fine steering mirrors, laser gimbles, reaction wheels, laser stabilization and pointing, deformable mirrors, motor drive, and piezo drives.Apex Microtechnology's rad tolerant devices are tested to maintain operability after exposure to the specified radiation levels. RT devices include radiation data for HDR, ELDRS/LDR, and SEE testing in addition to TID lot traceability and PIND screening. Radiation tolerant devices are based on a Class H military grade that include additional screening such as burn-in testing, which further speaks to device-reliability.
“The initial release of our radiation tolerant portfolio marks an important milestone for Apex and our commitment to supporting the rapidly growing space industry.” Says Technical Marketing Manager, HelenAnn Brown. “We are excited to see our precision power analog components power critical systems across future missions.”
Following the initial launch of PA07R and PA08R, Apex will continue to bring our cutting-edge technology to space. Our ongoing initiatives will include the expansion of our rad tolerant portfolio, with future plans to introduce rad tolerant variations of our silicon carbide (SiC) integrated power modules and plastic encapsulated precision IC devices. Apex is further committed to releasing products for new space with miniaturization in mind.
Pricing, Availability, and Evaluation Tools
Apex Microtechnology's PA07R and PA08R devices are ready to order and in volume production with low lead times. For additional details on availability, device lead-times, and pricing please fill out our Radiation Tolerant Inquiry Form. Apex's radiation tolerant devices are purchasable directly from Apex Microtechnology.