Research in remote signal transmission electronics

Research has been directed toward the evaluation of semiconductor circuits suitable for operation at temperatures of 250/sup 0/C to 300/sup 0/C. These circuits are to be utilized in monitoring neutron flux in a breeder reactor. Worst-case performance evaluations are made on an amplifier-discriminator circuit utilizing commercially available operational amplifier chips incorporated in a hybrid thick-film package, which is suitable for use to 250/sup 0/C. Another hybrid thick-film amplifier-discriminator system was developed and tested for use to 300/sup 0/C. A dc-dc converter to supply +10v and -10v for amplifier power was designed, and evaluated up to an operating temperature of 300/sup 0/C. Detailed design theory equations for high temperature dc-dc converters are presented. Significant problems with ceramic capacitors utilized at 300/sup 0/C were found.