Why Radiation Hardness Assurance?

Electronic components and systems show degradation in their electrical performance when exposed to ionizing radiation. Affected are devices used in space, aviation or in nuclear medicine. Radiation hardness assurance measures are needed to guarantee proper functionality.

Due to the increasingly diminishing component structures radiation sensitivity is increased. Effects caused by cosmic radiation on the Earth’s surface become relevant for electronic devices even in terrestrial applications such as automotive. Electronic components and systems that are to be used in sensitive areas need to be qualified with respect to their radiation resistance.

The corresponding test procedures are defined by international organizations such as the European Cooperation on Space Standardization (ECSS).