ECI - Development and Qualification of an European Plase Locked-Loop
Richaud, J.¹; Le Bohec, P.¹; Barbot, P.²; Schreiber, D.³; Castel, L.⁴; Feudale, M.^4
1Peregrine Semiconductor Europe; ²HCM; ³Rood Technology; ⁴Thales Alenia Space

This paper describes the development and qualification of a very high performance PLL (Phase Locked Loop) semiconductor device. This project is part of the European Component Initiative (ECI) programme proposed by ESA and involves various companies such as Hybritech Composants Microelectroniques (HCM), Rood Technology (ROOD), Thales Alenia Space France (TAS-F), Thales Alenia Space Italy (TAS-I) and Peregrine Semiconductor Europe. Phase Locked Loop devices are important functions for various space applications (Satellite Telemetry Link, Frequency Generation,...). This monolithic PLL IC, working up to 3.5GHz, is manufactured using advanced SOI technology. It provides very low power operation, best Phase Noise performance and key features for satellite application: Latch Up free and high radiation hardness (TID and SEU). The Delta-Sigma Modulation (DSM) fractional N synthesis technique enables fine frequency resolution and optimises synthesizer phase noise performance.

We will present product architecture and design results. Assembly and Electrical Testing operations will be described with specific focus on quality and performance impact.

Product qualification, fully based on the requirements of ESCC 9000 Generic Specification will be presented with demonstration that Total Ionising Dose up to 100Krads does not affect device performance. Heavy Ion Testing also confirms superiority of the chosen SOI technology.