D3-RH Radiation Hardening

Radiation hardening is the process of making electronic components and circuits resistant to damage or malfunction caused by high levels of ionizing radiation.

How it works There are three core radiation hardening methodologies: 1. Radiation Hardening by Process (RHBP): modifying the physical fabrication of a semiconductor (e.g., using SOI - Silicon on Insulator), offering the highest intrinsic protection. Usually the most expensive option as it requires a specialized semiconductor fabrication plant. 2. Radiation Hardening by Design (RHBD): modifying circuit topology and physical layout using techniques such as Triple Modular Redundancy (TMR). A more cost-effective option, with the constraint of potentially increasing chip area and power. 3. Radiation Hardening by Shielding (RHBS): using physical materials (e.g., aluminum or tantalum) to block ionizing particles. Simple to implement, with the constraint of increasing size and weight.