Applicability and Utilization of Precision Voltage References to Strategic Missions

Richard Gardner

Abstract:	Precision references, which include precision voltage references (PVR) and precision current references (PCR), are an almost forgotten component within the suite of electronics required in strategic guidance systems. However, the performance characteristics of this component can limit the class of inertial components that can be used in a given mission and how those inertial components might be utilized in the mission. And although precision references are relatively simple in concept, their longterm stability and response to radiation is extremely complex. In addition to the potential impact on inertial instrument selection, the precision reference drives the requirement of other electronic components, such as switches, gain stages, and buffers, that may be required to effectively utilize a high-precision reference. In addition to inertial instruments, the precision reference determines the accuracy capability that can be realized in analog-to-digital (A/D), digital-to-analog (D/A) or voltage-to-frequency read-outs for other sensors required in the guidance system. The challenge in developing stable, precision references is to minimize the number of precision components required to implement the reference. Second, it is necessary to minimize the number of precision haracteristics required of each supporting component. Third, the reference should exploit a fundamental physical property of material. Selection and development of a precision reference should consider the ultimate application. If a precision current is the driving application need, then development of a precision current reference should be explored. The components required to convert from a voltage reference to a current reference can result in significant additional error sources. In this paper, an overview of present day precision reference technology and reference technology alternatives for future strategic missile guidance missions are discussed. The performance of present day references is compared to the performance needs of future systems, and alternative reference approaches that may meet those needs are addressed. Important parameters for strategic applications and their behavior in radiation are also discussed.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 49th Annual Meeting of The Institute of Navigation (1993) June 21 - 23, 1993 Royal Sonesta Hotel Cambridge, MA
Pages:	559 - 564
Cite this article:	Gardner, Richard, "Applicability and Utilization of Precision Voltage References to Strategic Missions," Proceedings of the 49th Annual Meeting of The Institute of Navigation (1993), Cambridge, MA, June 1993, pp. 559-564.
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