High performance analog-to-digital converter technology for military avionics applications

The signal processing requirements of military avionics systems are constantly increasing to meet the threats of the next century. This is especially true as the digital interface moves closer to the sensor/antenna and the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) performance requirements become a major contributor to spaceborne data and signal/sensor processors and mission management specifications. The benefits of moving the digital interface closer to the sensor/antenna in avionics systems can be classified in four different categories: affordability, reliability and maintainability, physical, and performance. This reduction in RF downconversion stages as the digital interface migrates toward the sensor can result in some difficult ADC requirements that can not currently be met by commercial technologies. It is the intention of this presentation to expose the aerospace community to these emerging requirements for radar, communication and navigation (CNI), and electronic warfare missions. In addition to these requirements, we are presenting some examples of current state-of-the-art ADCs, their technology limitations, and briefly discuss potential applications in avionics systems. We have also included in this presentation a brief discussion on the fundamental and physical limitations that impair the progress of current and future ADC technologies. This presentation will conclude with a technology forecast, and an estimate on ADC availability for future avionics systems