Intelligent positron-electron-proton spectrometer detector interface VLSI electronics for a satellite instrument

An intelligent peripheral mixed analog/digital advanced detector interface circuit (ADIC) has been designed to be used in a satellite instrument. The ADIC makes it possible to measure simultaneously the energies of positrons, electrons, and protons generated in the Sun during the high particle fluxes of solar flares. An effective processor interface design helps to remove signal-processing workload from the main CPU. An intelligent stand-alone interface is necessary because of the limited resources in harsh space environments. Sensitive charge integrators are used in interfaces to silicon strip detectors. Digital position information is produced without any A/D conversion schemes