ELECTRONICS DEVELOPMENT FOR SPACE RESEARCH APPLICATIONS.

A study was conducted at the Nuclear Aerospace Research Facility (NARF) to develop improved electronics for nuclear radiation detectors used in space vehicles. This study was performed concurrently with and is closely related to another NARF program involving the design and construction of an electron-proton spectrometer for use on USAF satellites. To illustrate the problems associated with integration of many separate circuits into a functioning system, the various circuits that were the subject of the electronics study are discussed in relation to their use in the electron-proton spectrometer. The circuits discussed include: (1) charge-sensitive amplifiers for use with semiconductor nuclear-radiation detectors, (2) pulse-amplitude discriminators, (3) control circuits, (4) power supplies, and (5) Logarithmic count-rate meters. The temperature stability and low power consumption of these circuits are of particular significance. (Author)