Radiation Effects in Integrated Circuits, and Radiation Hardening Techniques

Abstract

Radiation from natural and artificial elements bombards the earth The radiation environment depends on energy distribution and particle spectra. Radiation affects most electronic components, especially ICs (ICs). High nuclear reactors and space radiation damage electronic components, but the earth's electronic components also do. Semiconductors are radiation-sensitive, hence ICs need radiation shielding. The operation and performance of devices are affected by these effects. Radiation type, energy, flux, and exposure period affect damage. Gamma rays and neutrons are indirect ionizing radiation. These beams harm silicon-based semiconductors like transistors. Radiation can damage semiconductors, especially ICs. As a result of displacement damage and ionizing radiation, semiconductors degrade in three devices. Insulator traps charge. (2) minor carrier recombination modifications Various-energy particles generate different ionization and displacement damage. In the research of radiation effects and consequences, it's vital to look at how radiation affects semiconductors and integrated circuits. Radiation hardening decreases radiation damage. Radiation hardening renders electronics ionizing or non-ionizing radiation-resistant. To assure appropriate operation, IC, sensor, and military aircraft makers adopted hardening.

Keywords: Hardening Technique, Integrated Circuits, Radiation

DOI: 10.7176/CEIS/13-5-04

Publication date:October 31^st 2022