Analogue SAR signal processing: Device evaluation and radiation tests

For onboard satellite SAR signal processing, charge coupled video integrators for prefiltering/subaperture filtering, and a bucket brigade binary-analog correlator, were tested. Breadboard performance at room temperature and after X-irradiation is reported. Dark current is excessive in the video integrators and the transfer inefficiency is large. One device is insensitive to radiation up to 4.5 KRads, the other is sensitive to doses 500 Rads, although both came from the same wafer. The correlator meets data processing and power supply immunity requirements, but does not meet low power and temperature stability requirements. No significant radiation damage is observed below 2 KRads.