SiGe BiCMOS Circuit Design using only PMOS and HBTs Approach for the Ocean Worlds Exploration

TL;DR

This paper proposes a SiGe BiCMOS circuit design approach utilizing only PMOS transistors and HBTs, tailored for robust electronic systems in extreme extraterrestrial oceanic environments, emphasizing reliability and survivability.

Contribution

It introduces a novel SiGe BiCMOS circuit design methodology using only PMOS and HBTs specifically for ocean worlds exploration applications.

Findings

Design demonstrates improved radiation tolerance

Circuit operates reliably at extreme cold temperatures

Potential for long-term space mission deployment

Abstract

Space exploration to have the biosignatures of extraterrestrial life on different planets with oceans in our solar system and beyond requires the design and manufacturing of robust and reliable electronic systems that can be used for sensing, data processing, controlling motor/actuators, and communication while surviving an extreme environment. Commercial off the shelf (COTS) components cannot survive a long time in such harsh environments after being housed in a Warm Electronics Box, and any electronic system designed for such extreme conditions must be tailored to suit such operation. The presence of extremely cold temperatures and high radiation adversely affects the device parameters over time, i.e. the operation of electronic systems.