Low Dose Radiation Sensitivity Transistors

Small-signal bipolar junction transistors have enhanced low dose radiation sensitivity to ensure reliability for critical applications

The American Defence Logistics Agency (DLA) manages the global defence supply chain and works with suppliers to ensure high reliability of all the components that go into an end application. Integral to the manufacturing process of components designed for military applications are rigorous tests and compliance standards that must be met to make it on the Quality Products List (QPL), which guarantees a certain level of reliability and streamlines the procurement process.

A part of this scheme, Microchip has launched its JAN transistors, which are now tested and qualified to Military-Standard Enhanced Low Dose Radiation Sensitivity (ELDRS) requirements including MIL-STD-750, Test Method 1019 and specifications such as MIL-PRF-19500/255, /291, /355, /376 and /391.

These military-grade transistors have been manufactured to withstand varying levels of radiation exposure and are part of the Joint Army Navy (JAN) designation system used to specify components procured for military applications. These designations ensure that electronic components used in critical military and aerospace applications can operate reliably in radiation-rich environments.

JAN Transistor Designations

* JANSE Transistors (30 Krad): Withstand up to 30 Krad per unit of absorbed radiation dose
* JANSK Transistors (50 Krad): Withstand higher levels of radiation, up to 50 Krad
* JANSU Transistors (100 Krad): The most radiation-resistant among these families, capable of enduring up to 100 Krad

Microchip’s legacy in aerospace and defence spans 60 years, with fabs dedicated to aerospace and defence semiconductor manufacturing and testing. The company’s fab in Ennis, Ireland, is a robust MIL-PRF-19500 screening and reliability testing facility. Microchip’s fab in Lawrence, Massachusetts, is DLA Certified with the capability to conduct in-house ELDRS to MIL-STD-750, Test Method 1019. Microchip provides the flexibility for customers to test to the designated Radiation Hardness Assurance (RHA) level depending on the programme needs for the components and end application.

“Through rigorous in-house testing at our Ennis and Lawrence facilities, our products are certified to operate with high performance and high reliability in harsh environments,” said Leon Gross, vice president of Microchip’s discrete products group. “We are committed to developing and manufacturing products that ease the design process based on our customers’ specific requirements. Microchip was the first company to provide Total Ionizing Dose (TID) rated Radiation-Hardened Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJTs); now, we worked closely with the DLA to add testing for ELDRS characterisation.”

Microchip has a broad portfolio of high-reliability solutions designed for the aerospace and defence market including Radiation-Tolerant (RT) and Radiation-Hardened (RH) MCUs, FPGAs and Ethernet PHYs, power devices, RF products, timing solutions, as well as discrete components from bare die to system modules.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Jonathan Newell

Jonathan Newell is a graduate of Loughborough University and has three decades of experience in engineering as well as broadcast and technical journalism.

Latest posts by Jonathan Newell (see all)

• UK manufacturing steps up to COVID-19 crisis - April 2, 2020
• Clustering Innovation - March 12, 2020
• A Global Monitor - March 6, 2020