ASTM E1854-03

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation:E1854–03
Standard Practice for
Ensuring Test Consistency in Neutron-Induced
1
Displacement Damage of Electronic Parts
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1854; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope ences to relevant ASTM standards and technical reports are
provided. Processes and methods used to arrive at the appro-
1.1 This practice sets forth requirements to ensure consis-
priatetestenvironmentsandspecificationlevelsforelectronics
tency in neutron-induced displacement damage testing of
systems are beyond the scope of this practice; however, the
silicon and gallium arsenide electronic piece parts. This re-
process for determining the 1-MeV equivalent displacement
quires controls on facility, dosimetry, tester, and communica-
specifications from operational environment neutron spectra
tions processes that affect the accuracy and reproducibility of
should employ the methods and parameters described herein.
thesetests.Itprovidesbackgroundinformationonthetechnical
Some important considerations are addressed in Appendix X1
basis for the requirements and additional recommendations on
through X1.3.1 (Nonmandatory information).
neutron testing. In addition to neutrons, reactors are used to
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
provide gamma-ray pulses of intensities and durations that are
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
not achievable elsewhere. This practice also provides back-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
ground information and recommendations on gamma-ray test-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
ing of electronics using nuclear reactors.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.2 Methods are presented for ensuring and validating
consistency in neutron displacement damage testing of elec-
2. Referenced Documents
tronic parts such as integrated circuits, transistors, and diodes.
2.1 The ASTM standards listed below present methods for
The issues identified and the controls set forth in this practice
ensuring proper determination of neutron spectra and fluences,
address the characterization and suitability of the radiation
gamma-ray doses, and damage in silicon and gallium arsenide
environments. They generally apply to reactor and 14-MeV
devices.The proper use of these standards is the responsibility
neutron sources when used for displacement damage testing,
252 of the radiation metrology or dosimetry organization that is
and apply to Cf testing when this source is used for this
often closely affiliated with facility operations. The references
application.Facilityandenvironmentcharacteristicsthatintro-
listed in each standard are also relevant to all participants as
duce complications or problems are identified, and recommen-
background material for testing consistency.
dations are offered as to how problems can be recognized and
2.2 ASTM Standards:
minimized or solved. This practice may be used by facility
E170 Terminology Relating to Radiation Measurements
users, test personnel, facility operators, and independent pro-
2
and Dosimetry
cess validators to determine the suitability of a specific
E181 Test Methods for Detector Calibration and Analysis
environment within a facility and of the testing process as a
2
of Radionuclides
whole, with the exception of the electrical measurements,
E261 Practice for Determining Neutron Fluence Rate, Flu-
whichareaddressedinotherstandards.Additionalinformation
2
ence, and Spectra by Radioactivation Techniques
on conducting irradiations can be found in Practices E798 and
E262 Test Method for Determining Thermal Neutron Re-
F1190. This practice also may be of use to test sponsors (that
2
action and Fluence Rates by Radioactivation Techniques
is, organizations that establish test specifications or otherwise
E263 Test Method for Measuring Fast-Neutron Reaction
have a vested interest in the performance of electronics in
2
Rates by Radioactivation of Iron
neutron environments).
E264 Test Method for Measuring Fast-Neutron Reaction
1.3 Methods for evaluation and control of undesired con-
2
Rates by Radioactivation of Nickel
tributors to damage are discussed in this practice, and refer-
E265 Test Method for Measuring Reaction Rates and
2
Fast-Neutron Fluences by Radioactivation of Sulfur-32
E393 TestMethodforMeasuringReactionRatesbyAnaly-
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E10 on Nuclear
2
sis of Barium-140 from Fission Dosimeters
Technology and Applications and is the direct responsibility of Subcomm
...