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SoS PLLs set for European space duties

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Nov 27, 2006

Peregrine Semiconductor Europe has been chosen by the European Space Agency to develop the first phase-locked loop device for integration into European space applications.

Peregrine Semiconductor Europe has been chosen by the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop the first phase-locked loop (PLL) device for integration into European space applications.

The procurement proposal is established under the European Component Initiative (ECI), an action plan that aims to develop and qualify in Europe, using European Technology, components that are intended for space applications.

"Our mutual commitment to develop the ultra-high performance rad-hard RFICs for consumption in Europe's space programs begins with an ultra-low phase noise, low-power phase locked-loop frequency synthesiser, designed to enable superior RF performance in European satellite payload applications", said Ron Reedy, Peregrine's Chief Technical Officer.

"The current Peregrine portfolio of UltraCMOS PLLs has given us a strong foundation on which we intend to further develop leading-edge RFIC performance for Europe and the world", he added.

"We are confident that UltraCMOS is the right process technology and Peregrine is the right partner for the satellite commercial market as well as for ESA", stated Massimo Claudio Comparini, Electronics Technical Officer and Director of Industrial Integration of Alcatel Alenia Space, a global leader in advanced onboard equipment and space systems.

"The inherently rad-hard nature of the silicon-on-sapphire substrate makes it highly suitable for space applications requiring performance leadership".

"We expect to take full advantage of its capabilities through the use of standard components, as well as custom solutions, to boost the competitiveness of our extended family of space products", he added.

The current Peregrine integer-N, fractional-N and DSM PLL portfolio consists of commercial and space-level devices, with ultralow phase noise at -210dBc/Hz (maximum) normalised, and exceptional performance: 3.2GHz operation; serial, parallel and hardwire programming; 6bit reference counters; integrated 10/11 prescaler; phase detection; and 100krad total dose radiation tolerance.