outgassing

[Hopkinson, Gordon]

Posted to CCD-world:
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Hello CCD world

We regularly build CCD electronics for the space environment and have no
particular problems with outgassing.  To be accurate, tantalum capacitors
are also electrolytics but they have a solid rather than a liquid
dielectric.

Normally we would choose components from a space approved list but there is
not usually a problem with modern ceramic capacitors (particularly surface
mount).  

Conformally coating the PCBs is a good idea (e.g. with solithane). We would
do this as a matter of routine.  After coating, the board is baked in vacuum
on its own (without any optics) to 'condition' it.

Best regards

Gordon Hopkinson
Sira Electro-Optics Ltd

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