August 30, 2012 – Linear Technology Korea (CEO Hong Sa-kwak) announced that its products played a crucial role in the Mars rover 'Curiosity,' launched by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Linear Technology's high-performance analog semiconductor products are used in the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL, also known as Curiosity) to collect vast amounts of data, including detailed visual images of the Martian landscape and precise readout capabilities, helping scientists assess the geology and history of Mars. According to NASA, the purpose of this mission is to determine whether Mars previously possessed favorable conditions to support life and whether life could survive there.

Linear Technology's devices were selected for the Mars program, which focused not only on performance, precision, and reliability but also on the ability to withstand harsh environments such as spaceflight and the Martian surface. Linear Technology's products were used in the Curiosity rover and the spacecraft that took Curiosity to Mars. These products include 1) a power switching regulator that supplies power to the rover's instruments, 2) an analog-to-digital converter that digitizes camera motion control so that the rover can “see” the Martian landscape and send images back to Earth, and 3) an operational amplifier that amplifies the signal to precise steps to accurately transmit compressed data from Mars.

"We are very proud to have maintained a 20-year partnership with NASA's space program and to be playing a vital role in the ongoing Mars missions," said Lothar Maier, CEO of Linear Technology. "More than 200 Linear Technology devices are currently being used on Mars probes, which means we can guarantee analog products that deliver peak performance and reliability regardless of operating conditions or applications. Whenever we see the breathtaking images and valuable data coming back from Mars, we are honored to be contributing to this historic effort."

In addition to the numerous Linear Technology devices currently onboard the Mars rover Curiosity, Linear products have also been used in the exploration robots Spirit and Opportunity, which landed on Mars in 2004; the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS); Mars Pathfinder; the robotic spacecraft Cassini; Deep Space 1; and Mars Odyssey. Linear Technology provides NASA/JPL with analog IC products that deliver peak performance, precision, and reliability in ultra-small packages. Linear products are available in radiation-hardened versions.
Linear Technology’s expertise in high-precision analog circuits provides feasible technology for sophisticated scientific measurement and communication systems for Mars exploration rovers and spacecraft. In addition to their use in scientific measurement and aerospace-grade programs, linear products are also widely used in applications for communications, networking, industry, automotive, computers, and medical products.