Radiation has a detrimental effect on the operation of some materials and components used in harsh radiation environments such as space, military applications, and nuclear power industries. In particular, radiation can affect aerospace electronics, resulting in malfunctions and failures of components and systems.
The need for radiation hardness assured (RHA) components began over 50 years ago with the growth of civilian and defense aerospace industries and continues today. On average, 100 new satellites are launched each year – representing a $50 billion industry consisting of NASA, defense, and the commercial needs of television, radio, telephone, GPS, imaging, weather, etc. Today’s world economy is strongly dependent on satellite data capability and all satellites need to be replaced over time. In addition to the defense market, RHA components are used in NASA and commercial satellites, and in radiation environments associated with medical and nuclear power industries.
Vendors of high reliability electronic components used in radiation environments are required to provide a series of qualifying tests. The test type can vary depending on the electronic device and its specific application. The two essential components for qualifying RHA electronics are the component irradiation and the electronic test capacity. The irradiation is performed with a suitable commercial device by qualified operations personnel. The electronic tests require suitable electronic test equipment, a qualified program of testing, and adequately trained test personnel. The integration of these capabilities provides a highly desirable engineering test solution for qualifying RHA electronic components.
Our facilities provide radiation environments for Total Ionizing Dose (TID) testing and Enhanced Low Dose Radiation Sensitivity (ELDRS) testing. In addition, we provide expertise in Single Events Effects (SEE) testing and Displacement Damage Dose (DDD) testing. Our services include device preparation, data collection, and the complete and comprehensive reporting of results.
View our radiation services overview sheet.