Characterization of commercial-off-the-shelf electronic components at cryogenic temperatures

Electronic components which are able to work at cryogenic temperatures are demanded in cryogenic instruments, high sensitivity measurement systems, space missions, medical diagnosis among other applications. Different non-cryogenic commercial electronic components have been characterized between room temperature and −196°C. A simple measurement technique, taking advantage of the temperature gradient inside a partially empty LN 2 Dewar vessel has been used. The results of the electrical characterization show that some of these components can be used at cryogenic temperatures with a reasonable performance even if their specifications datasheets state the contrary.