Data-Acquisition System Takes 8-Bit Samples at 1 GHz

A unique data-acquisition system converts analog input voltages to 8-bit digital data at a rate as high as 109 samples per second (1 GHz), stores the data, and makes the data available for further processing. The system is compact, is highly resistant to ionizing radiation, consumes relatively little power, and is made from commercially available components. Designed for original use as part of a spaceborne laser altimeter, such data-acquisition systems could be adapted to potential terrestrial use as general-purpose high-speed analog-to-digital converters in electronic test equipment and scientific instruments, and as memory devices for storing data to be processed in digital signal-processing systems.