California Institute of Technology

Don J Hunter

Gary S Bolotin

Colin McKinney

John J Waters

Ben Cheng

Matthew E King

Sunant Katanyoutanant

Malcolm L Lias

Current sensing devices that are capable of surviving harsh ambient environment of ocean worlds, such as Jupiter and Saturn moons are disclosed. The described devices can meet 300 Krad radiation requirements and can survive at cold temperatures down to &#x2212;184&#xb0; C. Exemplary implementations of the constituent circuits of the devices are presented. A scheduling algorithm to perform various measurement by the disclosed current sensing devices is also described.

Current sense multi-chip module

An LVDS device wherein driver and receiver functionalities are integrated in the same package, signals are routed from the individual driver and receiver elements inside the package such that all inputs are one side of the package, and all outputs are on the opposite side of the package, allowing for an optimized signal flow through the package. All required capacitors and resistors are integrated inside the package; no external electronic components are required. All of the above novelties also contribute to a 6:1 reduction in size compared to current state-of-the-art, for the same number of communication channels. Embodiments include a packaging topology adaptable to extreme environments, including radiation tolerant to 300 kRad (based on the die technology), so that module operational temperature is in a range of &#x2212;55&#xb0; C. to +100&#xb0; C. and storage temperature can be as low as &#x2212;184&#xb0; C.

Low-voltage differential signal driver and receiver module with radiation hardness to 300 kilorad

A modular electronics packaging system includes multiple packaging slices that are mounted horizontally to a base structure. The slices interlock to provide added structural support. Each packaging slice includes a rigid and thermally conductive housing having four side walls that together form a cavity to house an electronic circuit. The chamber is enclosed on one end by an end wall, or web, that isolates the electronic circuit from a circuit in an adjacent packaging slice. The web also provides a thermal path between the electronic circuit and the base structure. Each slice also includes a mounting bracket that connects the packaging slice to the base structure. Four guide pins protrude from the slice into four corresponding receptacles in an adjacent slice. A locking element, such as a set screw, protrudes into each receptacle and interlocks with the corresponding guide pin. A conduit is formed in the slice to allow electrical connection to the electronic circuit.

Modular electronics packaging system

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La Verne, CA, United States of America

Don J Hunter