6 Test Setup and Procedures

There were four supplies used to power the ADS1278QML-SP which provided A_IN, AVDD, DVDD, and IOVDD.

Device output was continuously monitored to confirm device functionality through USB connection and external GUI.

Power supply equipment was controlled and monitored using a custom-developed LabVIEW™ program (PXI-RadTest) running on a HP-Z4 desktop computer. The computer communicates with the PXI chassis via an MXI controller and NI PXIe-8381 remote control module.

Table 6-1 shows the connections, limits, and compliance values used during the testing. Figure 6-1 shows a block diagram of the setup used for SEE testing of the ADS1278QML-SP.

All boards used for SEE testing were fully checked for functionality. Dry runs were also performed to maintain that the test system was stable under all bias and load conditions prior to being taken to the test facility. During the heavy-ion testing, the LabVIEW control program powered up the ADS1278QML-SP device and set the sourcing functions of the external equipment. After functionality and stability was confirmed, the beam shutter was opened to expose the device to the heavy-ion beam. The shutter remained open until the target fluence was achieved (determined by external detectors and counters). During irradiation, the external GUI continuously monitored the signals. No sudden increases in current were observed (outside of normal fluctuations) on any of the test runs and indicated that no SEL events occurred during any of the tests.

Figure 6-1 Block Diagram of the SEE Test Setup for the ADS1278QML-SP