Design of high precision analog modules and system architectures to maximize testability and long-term system reliability

Abstract

To achieve cutting edge performance in measurement and control systems, it is often necessary to execute many high-accuracy and high-speed system functions in the analog domain. Including custom analog hardware in complex long lifecycle defense or aerospace systems presents challenges in integration, reliability, and maintainability of the system. Examples of these issues include: sub-system test of Analog Modules, system calibration, drift of analog component bounds, and the effect of temperature on analog measurements. This paper presents best practices and novel methods to increase the practicality of designing custom analog system solutions, and discusses trade-offs between designing custom Analog Modules versus procuring equivalent commercial off the shelf components. In addition, the design of system architectures to minimize the risks and costs associated with the use of custom modules is discussed.