Space Radiation: Categories

Radiation environment Shielding feasibility       Typical effects
Total ionizing dose Some
  • Threshold shifts in CMOS transistors, leading to failure of logic gates
  • CMOS field-oxide charge trapping, loss of isolation, excessive power-supply currents
  • Power transistor threshold shifts, loss of on/off control
  • Gain degradation in bipolar-junction transistors
Neutron or proton flux events Some
  • Displacement damage effects
  • Gain degradation in bipolar-junction transistors
  • Severe degradation of charge-coupled devices, dynamic memory performance
  • Damage to photodetectors
Single-event phenomena Some
  • Single heavy ion causes ionization "track"
  • Temporary logic scramble
  • Single bit errors in static memories
  • Localized latchup in CMOS integrated circuits
  • Gate rupture of power transistors
  • Temporary upset of analog devices such as amplifiers
  • Burnout of diodes, transistors
  • Discharge of capacitors

This table shows the main categories of space radiation and indicates the feasibility of shielding each type in a typical satellite. Typical effects on electronics are also described.

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