A 16-bit serial analog-to-digital converter module with optical output

A high-resolution analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is needed for a variety of applications including readout electronics for infrared detectors in fo cal-plane arrays. The heat load of input/output (I/O) cables between the cr yogenic environment (4 K) and room temperature dominates the power consumpt ion of such an ADC. To reduce the number of outputs originating from the ch ip a 16-bit serial ADC has been developed, Further reduction of the heat lo ad and more robust signal transmission can be achieved by extracting the se rial ADC output using an optical fiber coupled to a laser diode. A compact module (5.75 in x 2.1 in x 1.1 in) has been prototyped to package the ADC c hip and a laser diode.