[Overview] Radiation Damage Effects in Microelectronic Devices

Yanru Ren1, Min Zhu¹, Dongyu Xu^1,2, Minghui Liu¹, Xuehui Dai¹, Shengao Wang1,
and Longxian Li¹

Overview on Radiation Damage Effects and Protection Techniques in Microelectronic Devices

Review Article; Open Access; Volume 2024; Article ID 3616902; 

DOI 10.1155/2024/3616902

1 Naval University of Engineering, Wuhan 430033, China
2 PLA Unit 91049, Sanya 572000, China

Abstract: With the rapid advancement of information technology, microelectronic devices have found widespread applications in critical sectors such as nuclear power plants, aerospace equipment, and satellites. However, these devices are frequently exposed to diverse radiation environments, presenting significant challenges in mitigating radiation-induced damage. Hence, this review aims to delve into the intricate damage mechanisms of microelectronic devices within various radiation environments and highlight the latest advancements in radiation-hardening techniques. The ultimate goal is to bolster the reliability and stability of these devices under extreme conditions. The review initiates by outlining the spectrum of radiation environments that microelectronic devices may confront, encompassing space radiation, nuclear explosion radiation, laboratory radiation, and process radiation. It also delineates the potential damage types that these environments can inflict upon microelectronic devices. Furthermore, the review elaborates on the underlying mechanisms through which different radiation environments impact the performance of microelectronic devices, which includes a detailed analysis of the characteristics and fundamental mechanisms of damage when microelectronic devices are subjected to total ionizing dose effects and single-event effects. In addition, the review delves into the promising application prospects of several key radiation-hardening techniques for enhancing the radiation tolerance of microelectronic devices.

FIG: The equivalent circuit of the EKV-RAD macromodel

Acknowledgments: The study was funded by Key Construction Projects of Academic Disciplines (430618) Construction Projects of Key Universities and Key Disciplines (430183).

[book] Microelectronic Circuits

Sedra, Adel S., Smith, Kenneth Carless, Carusone, 

Tony Chan, Gaudet, Vincent. 

Microelectronic Circuits. 

United Kingdom: Oxford University Press, 2020

Circuits by Sedra and Smith has served generations of electrical and computer engineering students as the best and most widely-used text for this required course. Respected equally as a textbook and reference, "Sedra/Smith" combines a thorough presentation of fundamentals with an introduction to present-day IC technology. It remains the best text for helping students progress from circuit analysis to circuit design, developing design skills and insights that are essential to successful practice in the field. Significantly revised with the input of two new coauthors, slimmed down, and updated with the latest innovations, Microelectronic Circuits, Eighth Edition, remains the gold standard in providing the most comprehensive, flexible, accurate, and design-oriented treatment of electronic circuits available today.

Appendix

• B. SPICE Device Models and Design with Simulation Examples

Model files for representative CMOS technologies are provided below:

• 0.8 um CMOS
• 0.35 um CMOS
• 0.18 um CMOS
• 45 nm CMOS
• 7nm FinFET

 

[C4P] 36th ICMTS 2024

36th International Conference on Microelectronic Test Structures

April 15-18, 2024, Edinburgh, Scotland

Looking for the best opportunity to present and discuss your ideas and results about test structures, measurements and characterization? This is your chance! Join the 36th ICMTS conference. A Tutorial Short Course will precede the main conference. Several of the best measurement, equipment design, and manufacturing experts, will participate in the equipment exhibition and presentations. The conference will bring together designers and users of test structures to discuss recent developments and future directions, in a one-track program, with convivial breaks allowing attendees to discuss and exchange viewpoints and challenges.

A Best Paper award will be presented by the Technical Program Committee. The conference is co-sponsored by the IEEE Electron Devices Society and all accepted papers, if presented, will be submitted for possible inclusion on IEEEXplore®. Original papers are solicited presenting new developments in topics relevant to ICMTS, including but not limited to, test structures, measurements, and results, in the following areas:

• Design
• Methodologies, Verification
• Within-die circuits for process characterization/monitoring
• Design enablement – Characterization and validation of digital and analog libraries
• Devices and Circuit Modelling
• Measurement techniques
• DC, AC and RF measurements: setup, test and analysis
• Reliability test - including thermal stability, failure analysis etc.
• Statistical analysis, variability, throughput increase, smart test strategies
• Use of machine learning and AI in analysis of data sets - parameter extraction etc.
• Wafer probing, within-die measurements, in-line metrology
• Throughput, testing strategies, yield enhancement and process control tests
• Applications
• Emerging memory technologies (single cell, arrays, and application in neural networks)
• Emerging transistor technologies for digital/analog/power applications
• Photonic devices - silicon integration, new displays (OLED, μ-displays)
• Flexible electronics and sensors (organic and inorganic materials)
• M(N)EMS, actuators, sensors, PV cells and other emerging devices

The author’s abstract submission consists of up to four pages in PDF format (font-embedded). The first page should include a title, a 50-word summary, author name(s), full address, contact number and e-mail of the lead author, and any preference for oral or poster session presentation. The body of the abstract should consist of one page of text (800 to 1000 words) and up to two pages of major figures and tables. The selection process will be based on the technical merit and will be highly weighted in favour of abstracts with high test structure content, giving a clear illustration of the test structure and including measurements and data analysis.

The abstract submission deadline is October 27th, 2023.

Abstracts can be submitted via the ICMTS 2024 website www.icmts.net using the “Abstract Submission” link on the front page. Notice of paper acceptance will be sent to the selected authors by 12th January 2024, with instructions for the expanded manuscript preparation for the conference proceedings. The deadline for submission of the final paper will be Early March, 2024 (TBC).

Please join the ICMTS LI group, if you have interest in all things test and measurement.

Details of the venue, hotel, registration, etc. will be posted when available at the ICMTS 2024 official website.

For further technical information, please contact the technical program chair:

Francesco Driussi, Università di Udine