Hybrid Amplifier Modules for Nuclear Measurements in Space Flight Experiments

Nuclear electronic instruments for the measurement of the precise energy and time-of-flight of charged particles, e.g. heavy ions, are quite often present on scientific satellites. In addition to the non-trivial electrical requirements, size, weight, and power consumption have to be kept within strict limits for space flight electronics. Furthermore, such instruments must possess a wide operating temperature range and resistance to irradiation. In the interest of cost effectiveness it is desirable to develop modules with a sufficiently wide application to enable their use on more than one mission. Because of the small quantities (expected need is in the order of some hundred circuits per year) and the resistance and capacitance values required, a hybrid thick film approach is considered to be the most economical solution. The development of two amplifier modules took place in a co-operation between the Max-Planck-Institut für Aeronomie in Lindau/Harz (scientific and environmental requirements), the Hahn-Meitner-Institut Berlin (irradiation treatment), the Lehrstuhl für Elektronische Schaltungen of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (electrical design), and the Philips Forschungslaboratorium Hamburg (technological implementation and production of prototypes). The results and experiences are reported in this paper.