Minimum-Power Microelectronic Space Systems

This paper discusses the design, fabrication technology and performance of minimum-power microelectronic circuits and subsystems, some operating with a supply power consumption of only a few microwatts per transistor stage. The advantages of complementary PNP-NPN circuitry is pointed out and figures of merit for minimum power circuitry are defined. The fabrication technology for micropower microelectronic circuits and its main advantages are outlined. Detailed examples of microwatt NOR gates, half shift registers and amplifier stages are given. Circuit and systems packaging and interconnection techniques are discussed. The design, construction and performance of a minimum power seven-bit analog to digital converter and of a 10 channel record and playback amplifier system for a digital tape recorder, both destined for space applications are described in detail. Advanced concepts such as the construction of complete subsystems on a single silicon wafer, the possibility of non-volatile operation with micro-power semiconductor circuitry and the departure from silicon as a host crystal and substrate to reduce stray capacitances are pointed out as research goals for the near future.