Space Engineering Enters Its Next Frontier (Download)
As space engineering enters the next frontier, space programs will require the ultimate in compact, reliable, low-power, high-performance ICs. Such devices are finding use in spacecraft ranging from the James Webb Space Telescope to an emerging generation of small satellites. These ICs include data converters, power-management ICs, op amps, digital signal processors, transceivers, and logic chips.
A key milestone in the emergence of ICs for space applications occurred in 1961, when integrated-circuit pioneer Jack Kilby of Texas Instruments handpicked Charles “Bob” Cook to be the lead engineer for a NASA project. NASA wanted to reduce the size and weight of the modules it would use in its manned space program while increasing their computing power.