The NISAR satellite, a joint mission between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is the first to use dual-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for Earth observation. Now in orbit, it will provide global data on ecosystems, ice sheets, biomass, and natural hazards with a revisit cycle of just 12 days. Behind this capability is a decade-long collaboration with Texas Instruments (TI), whose space-grade semiconductors form key parts of the payload electronics.
Precision Electronics for Synthetic Aperture Radar
Dual-band SAR places exceptional demands on satellite hardware. Radar imaging requires high stability in timing, consistent signal capture, and reliable high-speed data transfer to process returns into images. Any error in sampling or clock alignment directly affects the quality of the radar maps.
TI contributed ultra-high-resolution analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) with fast sampling rates to capture radar signals accurately. These converters ensure that the fine details needed for environmental monitoring are preserved in the raw data. Alongside them, TI clocking solutions provide precise timing and synchronous sampling, a fundamental requirement for coherent SAR operation.
Power and Data Integrity in Space
Radiation tolerance is another critical factor for low Earth orbit missions. NISAR’s payload relies on TI radiation-hardened power management dies, integrated into ISRO’s hybrid power modules. These devices help maintain power density while ensuring stable operation under radiation exposure, optimising the balance of size, weight, and efficiency.
Data integrity is supported by TI’s high-speed interface technology, which allows communication between satellite subsystems. With large volumes of radar data being processed and transferred, robust interfaces are essential to keep information moving reliably across the payload.
A Decade of Design Partnership
From initial component selection through to payload integration, TI and ISRO engineers worked together to address system-level challenges. By combining radiation-hardened power, precision data converters, and clocking solutions, the teams were able to meet the strict performance and reliability standards required for SAR imaging in orbit.
Shri Nilesh Desai, Director of ISRO’s Space Applications Centre, highlighted the collaboration: “A deeply coupled partnership, specifically focused on high-impact mixed signal and analog semiconductors, enabled ISRO to meet the system-level requirements for a satellite in low Earth orbit. Together, we achieved the space-grade performance standards needed for this important mission.”
Outlook
NISAR represents a step forward in Earth observation, combining advanced radar imaging with proven semiconductor technology built for the harshest environments. By applying space-grade design principles, radiation tolerance, precision sampling, and efficient power management, TI has helped deliver a satellite that will contribute valuable data for climate science and disaster monitoring worldwide.
Learn more and read the original article on www.ti.com
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