STMicroelectronics RHF1401KSO1

Overview

RHF1401KSO1 from STMicroelectronics is a radiation-hardened 14-bit, 20 Msps pipeline analog-to-digital converter (ADC) designed for space-grade data acquisition in high-radiation environments. It delivers 85 mW power consumption at full speed, supports 2 Vpp differential input, integrates internal voltage reference with external option, and operates across –55 °C to +125 °C in hermetic ceramic SO-48 packaging - deployed in digital communication satellites and nuclear physics instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the RHF1401KSO1 datasheet, RHF1401KSO1 pinout, RHF1401KSO1 application, or RHF1401KSO1 equivalent, key selection criteria include TID tolerance (300 kRad(Si)), SEFI/SEL immunity up to 120 MeV·cm²/mg, tri-state digital outputs, DR synchronization signal, and dual-mode reference configuration (internal/external).

Technical Context

The RHF1401KSO1 employs a pure CMOS 0.25 µm pipeline architecture with digital error correction to achieve ±0.4 LSB DNL and ±3 LSB INL. Its proprietary track-and-hold structure enables 70 MHz effective resolution bandwidth while maintaining static linearity under radiation stress.

It features dual-reference operation: internal reference (0.76–0.95 V on VREFP, 0.40–0.50 V on INCM) or externally forced reference (0.5–1.3 V on VREFP, 0–0.5 V on VREFM), with REFMODE pin controlling mode selection. Digital I/O is 2.5 V/3.3 V compatible, and output data is synchronized to the falling edge of CLK via DR signal.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The RHF1401KSO1 is housed in a hermetic 48-pin ceramic SO-48 package with gold-plated leads and mass of 1.1 g. The metallic lid is electrically isolated from pins and die.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar radiation-hardened ADC applications.

Compared with AD9260-20EBZ and ISLA214P50, the RHF1401KSO1 uniquely combines QML-V flight certification, 300 kRad(Si) TID tolerance, and intrinsic SEFI/SEL immunity - eliminating need for system-level mitigation and enabling direct integration into Class S space hardware.

Availability

RHF1401KSO1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for digital communication satellites, space data acquisition systems, aerospace instrumentation, and nuclear physics instrumentation requiring stable component supply across extended mission lifetimes.

Supply support for RHF1401KSO1 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader specializing in automotive, industrial, and aerospace-grade ICs, with decades of heritage in radiation-hardened technology development.

The RHF1401 belongs to ST's Rad-Hard Analog portfolio, engineered specifically for high-reliability signal chain applications in extreme radiation environments - emphasizing TID resilience, single-event immunity, and extended temperature operation.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable clock duty cycle variation for reliable sampling at 20 Msps?

The RHF1401KSO1 specifies a clock duty cycle range of 45% to 65% at 20 Msps (Table 5). Operation outside this window increases pipeline timing skew and may degrade DNL performance beyond ±0.4 LSB. For optimal dynamic performance, maintain 48–52% duty cycle using a low-jitter clock generator with matched rise/fall times.

Can the internal reference be used simultaneously with an external common-mode bias on INCM?

No. When REFMODE = 0 (internal reference enabled), INCM is internally biased to 0.44 V typical and cannot be overdriven. Applying external voltage to INCM in this mode risks violating absolute maximum ratings. External INCM biasing is only supported when REFMODE = 1 and VREFP/VREFM are externally driven.

How does the tri-state output behavior interact with the DR signal during OEB assertion?

When OEB transitions high, outputs enter high-impedance state within 1 ns (Ton), but DR remains active until the current conversion completes. DR deasserts after the final bit of the prior sample is latched - ensuring no race condition between data validity and bus release. This allows safe multi-device time-division multiplexing on shared buses.

Is the ceramic SO-48 package lead-free, and what is its moisture sensitivity level (MSL)?

The RHF1401KSO1 uses gold-plated leads per Table 1 and is not lead-free. Its hermetic ceramic package has no moisture absorption; therefore, it carries MSL = N/A and requires no bake-out or dry-pack handling - unlike plastic QFP or BGA packages.