A High-Speed Radiation-Tolerant ADC for Space Applications

In recent years, the continuous increase in investment in the exploration and utilization of space has led to a growing demand for high-performance electronics for space applications. All these space projects require sophisticated electronic systems capable of collecting, processing and transmitting large amounts of data. Among the critical components within electronic systems, high-performance data converters, such as ADCs, play a central role. However, the effects of radiation can lead to temporary or permanent malfunctions and performance degradation in electronic devices, including ADCs. Therefore, radiation-tolerant (RT) ADCs are typically used in space applications to ensure functionality and performance stability throughout the lifetime of the mission. However, RT ADCs require additional development effort, power, and area to improve their radiation tolerance. Therefore, the main challenge for RT ADCs is to provide sufficient radiation tolerance as well as excellent power/area efficiency.

The objective of this PhD research is to develop a high-speed ADC with high power/area efficiency and radiation tolerance in an advanced technology. The ADC is targeted to achieve a sampling frequency of at least several 100 of MHz and to have product (Fin*2^ENOB) greater than 1.3E+11. You also need to perform a vulnerability analysis of the ADC when it is exposed to the space radiation environment. Then you need to apply an efficient hardening strategy and technique for this ADC. You will be responsible for the entire ADC design flow, from system-level modeling to block-level structuring, transistor-level design and layout. After tapeout, you will also be involved in PCB design and final testing, both regular electrical testing and radiation testing.

This PhD aims to combine the expertise of IMEC and the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KUL). At IMEC, you will join the team of Laurent Berti, one of the world's leading groups in radiation-hardening analog/mixed-signal design. At KUL, you will be embedded in the research group of the Advanced Integrated Sensing Lab (ADVISE), known for its expertise in smart sensing and communication systems operating in environments with extremely high-reliability requirements.