SPACE RADIATION HARDENING AND VLSIC TECHNOLOGY

Abstract

Military Space Systems are required to have a certain level of immunity to all possible space radiation effects experiences during mission life time. These include upset and latchup from weapon x-ray bursts and cosmic rays, photo current burn-out of active junctions by large prompt doses of radiation, and performance degradation from accumulated dose due to enhanced radiation belts. Procuring piece parts capable of performing mission requirements and providing the desired immunity to these effects, and testing to verify the desired satellite immunity presents problems which must be considered when contemplating massive use of VLSIC technology where even higher desired levels of immunity may be desired. The techniques used for hardening and the testing required for hardness assurance will be discussed with emphasis on their application to VLSIC technology and its potential in space applications. An overall satellite was subjected to irradiation in order to verify its immunity to space radiation. These results will be discussed below.