The unique characteristics of the proposed ADC array makes it ideal for parallel digitizing applications that require extra low power at a relatively high quantization rate. Oversampling can be used in those cases when a higher resolution of more than one effective number of bits is required. Such ADCs are critical components in multichannel wireless communication systems. Advanced medical electronics require low power ADC arrays for their neural implants. ADC arrays are also required in image sensors and sensor networks still in their design phase. That the ADC array can be implemented using commercial SiGe technology makes it a particularly cost efficient solution. Since we plan to offer the block as an IP, it will fit for integration together with other blocks (both analog and digital) in the system, making the ADC array a cost efficient choice for SoCs.
The extra low power ADC arrays with serial outputs featuring power optimization capability depending on the required BER, high quantization frequencies, and convenient control through a two wire interface can be used in many radiometer and interferometer instruments applying passive and active microwave technologies that are under development by NASA in its mission to provide inexpensive data for science, agriculture, geology, weather forecast, climatology, and civil aviation. The potential application of the ADC arrays in space based wireless communication systems promise to lower the cost of exploration data delivery to the users.
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