ViArray standard platforms: Rad-hard structured ASICs for digital and mixed-signal applications

Sandia´s radiation-hardened ViArray standard platforms use via-configurable circuits to create quick-turn, low-cost structured ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits). Via-configurable technology enables performance similar to standard-cell ASICs, but with low-volume costs approaching that of programmable logic devices. Due to their significantly lower development cost and shorter production times, ViArray ASICs are rapidly replacing custom ASICs in Sandia´s high-reliability digital and analog applications. This paper describes the Eiger ViArray platform, which is optimized for general-purpose digital applications, and the Whistler ViArray platform, which is optimized for mixed-signal instrumentation and state-of-health applications.