STMicroelectronics (ST), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across a wide range of electronics applications, is strengthening its support for next-generation satellite applications with products that offer enhanced radiation tolerance.

ST recently announced the RHRDAC121, a radiation-hardened digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that operates at 2.5V for advanced low-power system designs that are not supported by existing 3.3V parts.

The 12-bit 1Msps SAR (Successive-Approximation Register) DAC consumes only 0.6mW at full speed and supply voltage, helping reduce the size, weight, and power of next-generation satellites.

This DAC is typically used in circuits for telemetry, housekeeping, and precision sensor gain adjustment, and its features include an SPI-compatible serial output, an internal voltage reference, and automatic power-on reset for zero voltage output.

This reduces circuit complexity and board area by ensuring high precision while minimizing external components.

It maintains stable performance parameters even under harsh conditions up to a total ionizing dose (TID) of up to 100 krad(Si), up to 125 MeV.cm²/mg. Single-Event Latch-up (SEL) does not occur.

It is also characterized by single-event transient (SET) and single-event upset phenomena, and can be applied immediately without performing additional up-screening.

The RHRDAC121 is QML-V certified and is available in a hermetically sealed ceramic package with gold or Solder-Dipped leads. It can also be supplied as a bare die. Designed and manufactured in Europe, it is based on ST's 130nm pure CMOS technology and process, proven in the space industry for 45 years. The DAC was developed with funding from the CNES (Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales), the French national space center.

The RH-DAC121K1 Engineering Model (EM) is priced at $950 for a quantity of 10. The RHRDAC121K01V Flight Model (FM) is priced at $2,450.