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Radiation Hardened vs Radiation Tolerant

Dmitri Snejko
Intellectual 745 points
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: LM124, LM124-SP, LM124AQML-SP, DAC121S101QML-SP

Hi,

I think this question was raised here already and it comes again time to time as soon as a newbie comes. I would like to ask someone from Ti's team to clarify the difference between those two wording I see in Ti's datasheets. In terms of process and radiation assurance. For example LM124-SP is a Radiation Tolerant  Device up to 50kRad. Does it mean that device is build from a pedigree silicon die which lot passed 50kRad up screening? Or is it an  LM124 mask set build on Radiation Tolerant process like SOI and qualified as the process?  Or it is something else? The same question about "Hardened". What exactly it means in terms of design modifications relative to similar EP parts or commercial? 

Regards, Dmitri.

        

  • 0
    TI__Genius 17035 points

    Hello Dmitri,

    The definitions of tolerance and hardness have evolved over time and sometimes the terms are used interchangeably.   It will depend upon a product by product basis.   Space die can be different from the commercial counterparts.   In the case of the LM124, TI has two space versions: the LM124-SP rated to 50 krad that you mention and the LM124AQML-SP, rated to 100 krad which came to TI when TI acquired National Semiconductor.   None of the commercial versions of the LM124 products that TI offers will survive 50 krad.

  • 0 in reply to Kirby Kruckmeyer96848
    Intellectual 745 points

    Thanks Kirby,

    But I can't say you answered my question. I used LM124 as an example, I just picked it up randomly. I can pick another one, lets say DAC121S101QML-SP which is stated as "radiation hardened". And in that particular example I don't see what makes LM124-SP different from LM124. The key phrase in your answer is "space die can be different ", which doesn't  sound to me "is different". It can be different or can be not. Right? By the way if I look in NASA's radiation test reports, commercial LM124 was considered as category 2 (suitable for spacecrafts with mitigation) but LM124AJRQM doesn't perform well above 13kRads at low dose rate which is contradictory with Ti's data.We have some experience with Ti's parts which passed (in application) 100kRads TID with no visible degradation this is why I am asking the question: what is behind -sp beside up screening?  I understand such information can be sensitive, in this case you can contact me directly. 

    Regards, Dmitri.  

  • 0 in reply to Dmitri Snejko
    TI__Genius 17035 points
    In every case, the difference between TI's space grade and commercial products is more than just upscreening. The scope of the differences will vary from product to product. It could include layout, design, processing or something else. As you note, TI cannot divulge proprietary information on how a product is developed, designed or processed.

    Some commercial processes/products will be inherently more radiation tolerant than others. For instance, SiGe transistors have been shown to survive Mrads. However, if the SiGe transistors are part of a BiCMOS process, the CMOS module can be the limiting factor on the radiation tolerance of a product. And while a product might be TID tolerant, it could have single event effect issues such as single event latchup, a common issue with commercial CMOS products.

    When viewing radiation test reports or papers, it is important to understand what exact part is tested and how it is tested. The LM124AJRQMLV is qualified to 100 krad at high dose rate. It is not one of TI's ELDRS free parts. If tested at low dose rate, it might fail. The LM124AJRLQMLV is the ELDRS-free product that is tested and qualified to 100 krad at low dose rate. Also important to know is how the part is biased and what is the definition of failure. A product might be biased for the needs of a particular program and the parameters monitored and the failing point might be based on that application. Or the limits could be based on a commercial product which could be different from a space product.

    I will send you a "friend" invitation with my email address.