TID testing of plastic encapsulated microcircuits with 90Sr/90Y source

As part of the assessment of plastic encapsulated microcircuits (PEMs) for suitability in space applications, total ionising dose (TID) tests can be performed with the electron emitter Sr-90/Y-90 as a replacement for conventional gamma entitters like (CO)-C-60. The easily shielded electron radiation allows for TID radiation tests in laboratory environments. Application specific radiation tests of devices operating in circuits similar to the final applications ensure that all relevant parameters are tested for. To attain a reliability measure for a lot with a small sample size, the test is prolonged until functional failure, while monitoring the functionality of the device.