Rad hard power-up microprocessor reset circuit

Intersil has introduced a new radiation hardened (rad hard) power-up microprocessor reset circuit.

Intersil has introduced a new radiation hardened (rad hard) power-up microprocessor reset circuit.

Intersil's IS-705RH, the latest edition to the growing family of Star*Power products, is designed to monitor power supply voltage levels and interface with satellite control units to ensure proper device operation during power-up.

The IS-705RH monitors the power supply voltage during power-up and sends a reset pulse to the microprocessor when the supply reaches a nominal operating voltage of 4.65V.

This prevents code execution errors that occur when signals are present on microprocessor inputs during power-up, ensuring reliable control of satellite functions.

Additional features include a watchdog circuit that verifies proper reset has occurred as well as a power-fail circuit for monitoring other supply voltages.

Both additional features may be used to generate interrupts.

"Intersil specifically designs power management devices to withstand the harsh radiation effects of the space environment", said Tom Marshal, Product Marketing Manager at Intersil.

"With an estimated worldwide space market for analogue semiconductors valued at $200M, Intersil is pleased to offer these unique devices to our customers.

The IS-705RH reset circuit is Intersil's response to the demand for rad hard solutions that will enhance the performance and reliability of satellite based communication networks".

The IS-705RH offers a cost effective, monolithic solution that significantly reduces circuit size and design cycle times as compared to the bulky discrete solutions currently used to implement this required reset function.

Additionally, up-screening or radiation testing may be eliminated, as all parameters are tested and guaranteed to 100krad(Si) over the full military temperature range in strict compliance with MIL-PRF-38535.

Testing has verified single event latch-up immunity to 83MeV/(mg/cm2) and a single event upset capability of 38 MeV/(mg/cm2).

The IS-705RH power-up microprocessor reset circuit is immediately available in an 8-lead flatpack package, either as QML Class V or Class Q.

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