Space electronics irradiation

We perform irradiations of space electronics using a free-field cobalt-60 gamma source, supporting Total Ionizing Dose (TID) testing for space and other high-reliability applications. Irradiations are typically conducted to a 200 Gy TID within the low dose-rate window of 0.36–3.6 Gy/h, as defined by ESA in the Total Dose Steady-state irradiation test method (ESCC Basic Specification No. 22900). Higher dose rates, up to approximately 30 Gy/h, can also be accommodated.

The dose to silicon at the back side of the device is determined from an air-kerma measurement at the device position combined with a Monte Carlo model of the irradiated device. Where required, the model can be validated experimentally using a dense array of detectors to measure attenuation across the device with 3 mm spatial resolution, with results compared directly to the model predictions. The validation procedure may be supplemented with a 100 kV X-ray image of the device.

During irradiation, online monitoring of electrical parameters can be performed, including power consumption (voltage and/or current), low-level bias currents (pA) for semiconductors, and other device-specific parameters. A typical irradiation campaign lasts approximately three days, with environmental conditions normally controlled at 21 °C and 45 % relative humidity.