SSB1_005 Radiation Hardness Assurance

This document defines the guidelines for minimum tasks and methods for piece part radiation hardness assurance for plastic encapsulated microcircuits and semiconductors suitable for potential use in many rugged, military, space, extreme, or other environments. These devices were categorized as commercial off the shelf devices (COTS), plastic encapsulated microcircuit/microelectronic (PEM) and/or plastic encapsulated discrete semiconductor (PEDS). Generally, plastic encapsulated devices lack RHA validation; and as such, this places the RHA performance requirement on the procuring activity. The end user assumes the responsibility for validation of vendor’s RHA performance, including the lot traceability. This document provides the process flow for hardness and risk assessment toward meeting project requirements. This document will review radiation environmental constraints, mission specifications, and their anticipated impact on the microelectronic devices as provided in a project’s bill of material (BOM). A part acceptance is considered on an individual basis when assessed to environmental constraints and mission specifications.