Extreme temperature electronics

Abstract

In this paper a new class of electronic devices, called solid state vacuum devices (SSVDs), is presented and discussed with the primary focus aimed toward extreme environment applications. SSVDs, due to their intrinsic high temperature operation and radiation hardness, should be extremely well suited for extreme environments that exist both on Earth and, for example, on the planet Venus. SSVDs combine features inherent to solid state and vacuum electronics in this new class of devices. SSVDs can be used as high voltage/high power devices (from DC to well into the GHz range) or as SSI or MSI integrated circuits. SSVDs can be made in many different sizes and shapes to suit the application. SSVDs can be compact and lightweight. SSVDs are, by their very nature, high temperature electronics. Device parameters (e.g., gain, g/sub m,/ output resistance, etc.) are design parameters that can be chosen to match the application. The power handling capability of SSVDs can range from less than milliwatts to easily more than tens of kilowatts. SSVD operation, parameters and performance results and information can be the focus of this presentation with the primary area of concentration on extreme environment high temperature applications.