Apogee Semiconductor APIO16 Rad-Hard I/O Expander

Introduction

The Apogee Semiconductor APIO16 Rad-Hard I/O Expander is a versatile and robust component designed for reliable I/O expansion in demanding environments. With its advanced features, this device ensures seamless interfacing between low-voltage microcontrollers and higher-voltage peripherals, making it an essential part for various applications, especially in space and radiation-prone environments.

Part Description

The APIO16 offers flexible I/O expansion capabilities with built-in voltage level translation, allowing it to operate across a wide range of supply voltages. It supports two independent supply rails: VCCI for the serial interface logic and VCCP for the I/O ports. This separation enhances compatibility and performance. The device features an SMBus-compatible I2C or SPI-based serial bus with two 8-bit ports, enabling efficient communication with external hosts. Key features include:

• Support for SPI (25MHz) and I2C (1MHz)/SMBus
• Operating voltage range from 1.4V to 5.5V
• Internal power-on reset (POR) and open-drain interrupt pin
• Cold spareable I/Os with zero power penalty
• Radiation-hardened against Single Event Effects (SEE)

Applications

The APIO16 is suitable for a variety of applications, including:

• Remote command and control of telemetry systems
• Monitoring faults and alerting control systems through interrupts
• Critical system configuration storage
• Reduction of board and wiring loom mass through a common serial bus

Industries

This component is particularly relevant in the following industries:

• Aerospace and Defense
• Space Exploration
• Telecommunications
• Robotics
• Industrial Automation

Usage Ideas

1. Telemetry System Control: Use the APIO16 to manage telemetry systems in satellites, allowing for remote command and control while ensuring reliable data transmission.
2. Fault Monitoring System: Implement a fault monitoring system in a spacecraft that utilizes the interrupt feature of the APIO16 to alert ground control of any anomalies in real-time.
3. Compact Robotics Controller: Design a compact robotic controller that leverages the I/O expansion capabilities of the APIO16 to connect multiple sensors and actuators while minimizing wiring complexity.

Conclusion

The Apogee Semiconductor APIO16 Rad-Hard I/O Expander is a powerful solution for I/O expansion in environments where reliability and performance are critical. Its advanced features, including voltage level translation and radiation hardening, make it an ideal choice for applications in aerospace, telecommunications, and beyond. Whether for telemetry systems, fault monitoring, or robotics, the APIO16 provides the flexibility and robustness needed for modern electronic designs.