| HOME >> BIOLOGY >> TECHNOLOGY |
Many technologies have become so advanced that they've been miniaturized to take up less space and weigh less. That's what happened to detector controls and data conversion electronics on the James Webb Space Telescope being built by Northrop Grumman.
The electronics will convert analog signals to digital signals and provide better images to Earth.
These components, called a "SIDECAR" have been miniaturized from a volume of about one cubic meter (35.3 cubic feet) to a small integrated circuit.
SIDECAR ASIC means "System for Image Digitization, Enhancement, Control And Retrieval Application Specific Integrated Circuit." This tiny advanced low-noise, low-power microprocessor-based control chip was designed by Teledyne Imaging Sensors, Thousand Oaks, Calif. to convert the analog signals (which is what television stations currently broadcast) into digital signals (which television stations will broadcast starting Feb. 2009). Like televisions, the Webb telescope is getting several of those converter boxes." Digital signals can be easily transmitted and stored.
There are also several benefits to the extreme miniaturization of the SIDECAR. Further, it's about the size of a half-dollar and can do the same job as an electronics box weighing 20 pounds. It's smaller weight also makes it easier to launch.
"In addition, a smaller SIDECAR enables the ASIC to be physically close to the detector it is controlling. This close proximity minimizes the distance the analog signal travels, thus reducing the noise of the system," said Matt Greenhouse, Integrated Science Instrument Module Scientist at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
The three instruments that will use the SIDECAR on the Webb telescope are the Near Infrared Camera (NIRCam), Near Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec), and the Fine Guidance Sensors (FGS). These instruments all use highly sensitive infrared detectors to study distant stars, planets, and
'/>"/>
| Contact: Rob Gutro Robert.J.Gutro@nasa.gov 301-286-4044 NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center Source:Eurekalert |
Related biology technology :
1. Amazing Treatment Relieves Serious Back Pain Without Dangerous Drugs, Injections or Surgery!
2. Tethered to chip, energy supply that drives sperm could power nanobot
3. T-ray breakthrough signals next generation of security sensors
4. Signalife & Athletes Foundation Dispatch Mobile Health Center to Super Bowl
5. AMEX Notifies Signalife that It Will Need to Comply with Minimum Stockholders Equity Requirement
6. Signalife Presence at XIII World Congress on Cardiac Pacing and Electrophysiology
7. U.S. Patent 7,299,083 Awarded to Signalife
8. Signalife Receives FDA Clearance for OTC Non-Prescription Event Recorder Device
9. Signalife Continues to Procure Purchase Orders, Revenues
10. NFL Hall of Fame Legend Fred Biletnikoff Joins AFL/Signalife Cardiovascular Protection Team
11. Signalife Receives Another $3.3 Million Sales Orders
 |
| Copyright © 2003-2012 Bio-Medicine. All rights reserved. ABOUT | CONTACT US | DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS AND CONDITIONS |  |