Abstract
A new dimension of wireless sensor network architecture design is emerging where hundreds to thousands of ultra-light low-cost sensor nodes are required to collectively perform a spectrum of distributed remote sensing missions in hostile conditions, predominantly those encountered in space. Research is underway to investigate the feasibility of fabricating survivable self-powered sensor nodes monolithically with commercially available SiGe BiCMOS technology. This paper presents simulation and test chip results of two novel and essential building blocks: a photovoltaic/solar cell power supply and an environmentally tolerant microprocessor, based on radiation hardening by design and asynchronous logic.