The proposed correlation radiometer back end ASIC combining signal normalization, digitizing, programmable digital bandpass filtering and cross-correlation functions is expected to greatly reduce the size, complexity, power consumption and reliability of radiometer instruments. These radiometers are required for the current and future NASA's passive remote sensing instruments within Earth, planet and sun exploration missions. In addition, the proposed ASIC can find application in radiometers required for radio astronomy for measurements of the properties of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB). Distributed Spacecraft Missions (DSM) including Constellations, Formation Flying missions, or Fractionated missions using CubeSats or SmallSats require precise position synchronization between satellites which can be implemented by using correlation radiometers tracking a common radiation source.
In addition to its primary application in the NASA's correlation radiometry systems, the proposed ASIC is targeted for other commercial and military related systems which require small size, low power, radiation hardened radiometers. Commercial applications include radiometers employed on communication, remote sensing and navigation satellites. With the increasing deployment of small size satellites, compact radiometer based positioning is essential as well as it is crucial for swarms of satellites that should maintain certain formation. Possible military applications include satellites used for communication and surveillance. Another area of application includes synthetic aperture radar receiver modules. In case of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), both space and ground based remote sensing instruments require high precision radiometers for temperature, water vapor, pollutant, ozone and other exploration. Radiometers used for thermal imaging in security systems is yet another application area for the proposed ASIC.
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