High temperature experiments using programmable transistor array

Abstract

Temperature and radiation tolerant electronics, as well as long life survivability are the key capabilities required for future NASA missions. Current approaches to electronics for extreme environments focus on component level robustness and hardening. Compensation techniques such as bias cancellation circuitry have also been employed. However, current technology can only ensure very limited lifetime in extreme environments. This paper presents a novel approach, based on evolvable hardware technology, which allows adaptive in-situ circuit redesign/reconfiguration during operation in extreme environments. This technology complements material/device advancements and increases the mission capability to survive harsh environments. The approach is demonstrated on a mixed-signal programmable chip, which recovers functionality until 280/spl deg/C. We show in this paper the functionality recovery at high temperatures for a variety of circuits, including rectifiers, amplifiers and filters.