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Ionizing Radiation Effects
The Applied Technical Services (ATS) Family of Companies conducts an array of ionizing radiation effects testing for electronic equipment operating in aerospace applications.
A Brief Overview of Ionizing Radiation
Ionizing radiation is high-energy radiation consisting of particles with enough energy to remove an electron from its orbit, thereby creating a positively charged atom. Its less energetic, non-ionizing equivalent does not possess enough energy to take an electron away from the materials it crosses.
Alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, x-rays, and galactic cosmic radiation are all forms of ionizing radiation. This type of radiation is difficult to avoid, as it possesses the ability to move through materials and alter them.
The Effects of Ionizing Radiation
Ionizing radiation effects are a critical component in understanding the operation of electronics in space and other harsh radiation environments. The effects of ionizing radiation depend on various factors, including the type of particle, the state of charge, and the amount of energy. Ionizing radiation has the potential to affect electronics such as space probes, satellites, landers, rockets, and other equipment. The effects of ionizing radiation range from temporary malfunctions to irreversible damage. Some cases of radiation damage happen in an instant due to high energy bursts, while others suffer from cumulative radiation damage due to gradual degradation over time.
Instantaneous Damage from Radiation
Electronic devices in harsh radiation environments such as space are susceptible to instantaneous damage. Single event effects (SEEs)occur as an ionizing particle goes through a micro-electronic device, depositing a charge that adversely affects the device. SEEs wreak havoc on a manufacturer’s equipment, causing issues like circuit damage, data corruption, image noise, and system shutdown or reset. Furthermore, SEEs can cause complete failure in electronic parts due to conditions like single event burnout (SEB), single event latch-up (SEL), or single event upset (SEU).
Cumulative Damage from Radiation
Parametric degradation of electronics is a direct result of long-term, cumulative damage. The total ionizing dose (TID) effect in materials produces parameter variations such as leakage current and threshold voltages, affecting overall device functionality. Trapped electrons, trapped protons, and solar protons are common sources of exposure to TID.
Radiation Hardness Assurance
Manufacturers must ensure that their products are radiation-hardened, or rad-hard, to protect integrated circuits from ionizing radiation effects in standard operating environments. All activities necessary to ensure that electronic equipment in harsh radiation environments can withstand the effects of ionizing radiation are defined as radiation hardness assurance (RHA). These activities include everything from design and manufacturing to testing and evaluation. Rad-hard components will be able to resist these effects and function properly while in space environments.
Our Ionizing Radiation Effects Services
We provide ionizing radiation effects testing for electronic equipment in aerospace applications. Our world-renowned laboratory meets all compliance and classification requirements to conduct testing for ionizing radiation effects in electronics. We contribute to hundreds of successful aerospace operations in traditional and new aerospace industries, including commercial and government initiatives. Furthermore, we offer manufacturers valuable insight regarding rad-hard designs and qualifications.
Quality Standards and Protocols
Our testing facilities and laboratories meet specific requirements for ionizing radiation effects testing, including safety, reliability, common measurement, and logistical system alignment standards. We comply with standards established by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and possess lab capabilities for MIL-STD 750 and 883: TM 1017, 1019, 1020, 1021, 1023, 1080, ASTM F 1192, EIA/JESD57, ESCC 22900, and ESCC 25100 testing.
Contact Us
Contact Applied Technical Services’ Family of Companies today by clicking here or giving us a call at 1 (888) 287-5227 to schedule your ionizing radiation effects testing.
