Terry Hurford

Title: Innovations of Terry Hurford

Introduction

Terry Hurford is an accomplished inventor based in Greenbelt, MD (US). She has made significant contributions to the field of analog and digital electronics, particularly in the development of advanced analog-to-digital converters and radiation-hardened systems. With a total of 2 patents, her work showcases her expertise and innovative spirit.

Latest Patents

One of her latest patents is the "Pivoting Successive Approximation Register ADC for a Radiation Hard Autonomous Digital Readout." This analog-to-digital converter does not require a dedicated reference voltage and can digitize a rail-rail input signal while providing housekeeping functions to a Readout Integrated Circuit (ROIC) or other integrated circuits. The RHADR system is designed to operate independently of a main electronics board, requiring only a power supply voltage and the ability to read outputs from the chip. This innovation is achieved through the use of a Pivoting Successive Approximation Register ADC (PSAR ADC) and radiation hard by design (RHBD) techniques.

Another notable patent is the "Radiation Hardened by Design CMOS Crystal Oscillator for Readout Telemetry." This clock source includes a comparator with various inputs and outputs, a resonator element, and passive components that work together to generate a signal with approximately constant gain and frequency. The design ensures that the clock source maintains consistent performance over a wide operating temperature range.

Career Highlights

Terry Hurford works for the United States of America as represented by the Administrator of NASA. Her role involves developing cutting-edge technologies that enhance the capabilities of space exploration and related fields. Her innovative designs have contributed to the advancement of electronic systems used in various applications.

Collaborations

Throughout her career, Terry has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Gerard T. Quilligan and Shahid Aslam. These partnerships have fostered a creative environment that encourages the exchange of ideas and the development of groundbreaking technologies.

Conclusion

Terry Hurford's contributions to the field of electronics, particularly in the areas of analog-to-digital conversion and radiation-hardened systems, highlight her innovative capabilities. Her patents reflect a commitment to advancing technology for critical applications, particularly in the aerospace sector.