Communication Series

Optical sensing & communications

Magics offers essential technologies for optical communication and LIDAR, centered around the MAG-TDC00002—a patented radiation-hardened single-shot time-to-digital converter that provides unparalleled precision and accuracy in time measurements. Complementing this core capability is the MAG-TIA00001, a low-noise trans-impedance amplifier tailored for optical front ends, ensuring high-quality signal amplification. Together, these advanced components form the backbone of cutting-edge optical sensing and communication systems.

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Functionality

Optical sensing & communications
A low-noise Trans-Impedance Amplifier for optical front ends.
MAG
TIA00001
A low-noise Trans-Impedance Amplifier for optical front ends.

The MAG-TIA00001-SC is a low-noise, 4-channel transimpedance amplifier (TIA) that converts photodiode current into voltage, featuring configurable DC (0 to 10 kHz) and AC (3 to 30 MHz) gain paths. It offers two selectable DC current ranges for optimized noise performance and includes a voltage limiter to protect against higher supply voltages. The ASIC supports individual channel power-down modes and is cold-spare compatible, allowing it to handle input voltage without a supply.

Key features
Core performance parameters

Low-noise & high-linearity

Transimpedance gain

Independent 10-100 kΩ AC gain control

Bandwidth

3-30 MHz AC pass band

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Applications
Time-of-flight for LIDAR
Time-tagging
High precision magnetostrictive positioning/level sensing
Radiation Tolerance
TID (min.)
100 krad / 1 kGy (Si)
SEL / SEU
62.5 MeV ∙ cm2/mg
SET/SEFI
by design
Benefits
Accurate time measurement
Radiation-hardened single shot Time-to-Digital Converter for high precision and accurate time measurements.
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Packaging
CSOIC-28 (17.9 mm x 10.8)
MAG
TDC00002
Radiation-hardened single shot Time-to-Digital Converter for high precision and accurate time measurements.

The MAG-TDC00002 is the industry’s only patented radiation-hardened Time-to-Digital Converter (TDC) specifically designed for precise time measurements in space and other harsh environments. Offering picosecond resolution, it delivers unmatched performance for demanding applications such as nuclear decay timing and time-of-flight measurements. With automatic self-calibration to mitigate variations in process, voltage, temperature, and radiation levels, this TDC ensures stable, accurate operation. Additionally, its low power consumption during idle periods enhances efficiency, making it the ultimate solution for space-grade timing applications.

Key features
Resolution

Single-Shot precision < 8ps

Zero dead-zone

0 ps to 3 s

Additional features

Multi-stop mode up to 5 pulses

Supplies

1.2V core and 1.8-3.3V IO voltage

Power consumption

20 mW typ

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Applications
Time-Of-Flight for LIDAR and time tagging in earth observation and Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC)
Time over threshold application for high energy physics experiments
High precision magnetostrictive positioning/level sensing
Radiation Tolerance
TID (min.)
100 krad / 1 kGy (Si)
SEL / SEU
62.5 MeV ∙ cm2/mg
SET/SEFI
by design
Benefits

Applications

Communications payload

Signal processing, modulation, and transmission between spacecraft and ground stations. Our ICs ensure stable clock generation with competitive performance and high integration levels. Designed to withstand space conditions, they ensure robust and efficient communication throughout the mission.

Optical imaging payload

When it comes to processing images from sensors, handling data compression, and managing storage for transmission back to Earth, our ICs are designed to create images in the toughest environments.

LIDAR

Our patented Time-to-Digital Converter (TDC) technology processes signals from lasers to generate ultra-precise 3D maps and detect objects with unparalleled accuracy. With our advanced TDC solutions, we set new benchmarks for precision mapping and object detection in space exploration and beyond.

2D spectroscopy

Our patented Time-to-Digital Converter (TDC) solutions excel in managing data collection from detectors, processing spectral information, and controlling the timing and synchronization of measurements. Designed to perform under the extreme conditions of space, our technology ensures precise and reliable data handling, enabling advanced performance for critical applications in space exploration.

Your next challenge...

Our team is eager to assist and customize solutions to meet your needs based on our expertise in the space industry and our proprietary radiation-hardening-by-design methodology.
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