An update on RAD-HARD IC technologies for space applications

Sandia National Laboratories has established a Center for Radiation-Hardened Microelectronics (CRM) to develop IC technologies suitable for space and weapon systems. The CRM has demonstrated a LSI design prototype fabrication, and when required, a second source capability. The major CRM technologies are bulk silicon gate CMOS and MNOS nonvolatile memory. The status of these technologies, including data on hardened RAMs, ROMs, and microprocessors are reviewed. Catalog parts presently in design that are also discussed include a hardened CMOS 8085 and its peripheral circuits as well as several MNOS nonvolatile memories.