June 25, 2025
Three new devices in the Radiation Tolerant product portfolio: the PA12R, PA02R, and PA74R. Building on the success of their initial rad tolerant product launch, which included the PA07R and PA08R amplifiers, Apex is further enhancing their commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions for the space industry and applications in radiation-prone environments.
Designed with stringent SWaP requirements in mind, these new devices offer high performance and reliability with minimal lead times, meeting the growing demand for robust analog components in space missions.
Space industry
"Apex's second release of radiation-tolerant devices marks a pivotal step forward in our dedication to the rapidly growing space industry," says HelenAnn Brown, Global Sales Manager. "We’re excited to offer cutting-edge devices at competitive prices and with minimal lead times, all supported by comprehensive radiation data that helps mitigate risk in even the most mission-critical space applications. Over the years, we’ve worked closely with our customers to understand their radiation-specific needs, and we’re proud to expand our portfolio to meet the diverse challenges of space exploration and beyond."
The PA12R is a 10A, 90V state of the art high voltage, very high output current operational amplifier designed to drive resistive, inductive and capacitive loads. This hybrid integrated circuit utilizes thick film (cermet) resistors, ceramic capacitors and semiconductor chips to maximize reliability, minimize size and give top performance. The 8-pin TO-3 package is hermetically sealed and electrically isolated.
Voltage supply operation – ±10V to ±45V
High output current – up to 15A PEAK
Low thermal resistance – 1.4°C/W
Current foldover protection
Single Event Effect (SEE) Testing - 62.5 MeV.cm²/mg
Total Ionizing Dose (TID) Testing - 50 krad (Si)
Wide common mode Range – includes negative supply
Voltage supply operation
Single supply: 5V to 40V
Split supplies: ±2.5V to ±20V
High output current – 3A PEAK
Single Event Effect (SEE) Testing - 46.1 MeV.cm²/mg
Total Ionizing Dose (TID) Testing - 50 krad (Si)
The PA02R is a 5A, 38V power operational amplifier with a very high 350kHz power bandwidth designed to drive resistive, inductive and capacitive loads such as motor, valve and actuator controls. The PA02R provides a complementary “collector output” stage that can swing close to the supply rails and is protected against inductive kickback. Low crossover distortion and internal losses make this device efficient when system voltages are low, and power is a premium.
Fast settling time – 600ns
High power bandwidth – 350kHz
High slew rate – 20V/µs
Low crossover distortion – Class A/B
Low internal losses – 1.2V @ 2A
High output current – 5A PEAK
Single Event Effect (SEE) Testing - 62.5 MeV.cm²/mg
Total Ionizing Dose (TID) Testing - 50 krad (Si)
| Part | Supply Voltage MAX [V] | Output Current CONTINUOUS [A] | Slew Rate TYP [V/μs] | Standby Current MAX [mA] |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PA08R | 300 | 0.15 [0.2] | 30 | 8.5 |
| PA07R | 100 | 5 | 5 | 30 |
| PA12R | 100 | 10 [15] | 4 | 50 |
| PA74R | 40 | 3 [x2 channels] | 1.4 | 40 |
| PA02R | 38 | 5 | 20 | 40 |
Apex Microtechnology has an extensive space flight heritage, with devices playing instrumental roles in critical applications on missions such as the James Webb Telescope, NASA’s Perseverance Rover, Libera, OSIRIS-REx, the International Space Station, among others. Common applications for Apex rad tolerant devices include, but are not limited to, fine steering mirrors, laser gimbles, reaction wheels, laser stabilization and pointing, deformable mirrors, motor drive, and piezo drives.
Apex Microtechnology's rad tolerant devices are tested to maintain operability after exposure to the specified radiation levels. Rad tolerant devices include radiation data for HDR, ELDRS/LDR, and SEE testing in addition to TID lot traceability and PIND screening. Rad tolerant devices are based on a Class H military grade that includes additional screening such as burn-in testing, which further speaks to device-reliability.
Following the launch of PA12R, PA74R and PA02R, Apex will continue to bring their cutting-edge technology to space. The ongoing initiatives will include the expansion of their rad tolerant portfolio, with future plans to introduce rad tolerant variations of their silicon carbide (SiC) integrated power modules and plastic encapsulated precision IC devices. Apex is further committed to releasing products for new space with miniaturization in mind.
