ASTM E1854-07

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Designation: E1854 − 07
StandardPractice 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 1.3 Methods for evaluation and control of undesired con-
tributors to damage are discussed in this practice, and refer-
1.1 This practice sets forth requirements to ensure consis-
ences to relevant ASTM standards and technical reports are
tency in neutron-induced displacement damage testing of
provided. Processes and methods used to arrive at the appro-
silicon and gallium arsenide electronic piece parts. This re-
priatetestenvironmentsandspecificationlevelsforelectronics
quires controls on facility, dosimetry, tester, and communica-
systems are beyond the scope of this practice; however, the
tions processes that affect the accuracy and reproducibility of
process for determining the 1-MeV equivalent displacement
thesetests.Itprovidesbackgroundinformationonthetechnical
specifications from operational environment neutron spectra
basis for the requirements and additional recommendations on
should employ the methods and parameters described herein.
neutron testing. In addition to neutrons, reactors are used to
Some important considerations are addressed in Appendix X1
provide gamma-ray pulses of intensities and durations that are
through X1.3.1 (Nonmandatory information).
not achievable elsewhere. This practice also provides back-
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
ground information and recommendations on gamma-ray test-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
ing of electronics using nuclear reactors.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
1.2 Methods are presented for ensuring and validating
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
consistency in neutron displacement damage testing of elec-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
tronic parts such as integrated circuits, transistors, and diodes.
The issues identified and the controls set forth in this practice
2. Referenced Documents
address the characterization and suitability of the radiation
2.1 The ASTM standards listed below present methods for
environments. They generally apply to reactor and 14-MeV
ensuring proper determination of neutron spectra and fluences,
neutron sources when used for displacement damage testing,
252
gamma-ray doses, and damage in silicon and gallium arsenide
and apply to Cf testing when this source is used for this
devices.The proper use of these standards is the responsibility
application.Facilityandenvironmentcharacteristicsthatintro-
of the radiation metrology or dosimetry organization that is
duce complications or problems are identified, and recommen-
often closely affiliated with facility operations. The references
dations are offered as to how problems can be recognized and
listed in each standard are also relevant to all participants as
minimized or solved. This practice may be used by facility
background material for testing consistency.
users, test personnel, facility operators, and independent pro-
2
cess validators to determine the suitability of a specific
2.2 ASTM Standards:
environment within a facility and of the testing process as a
E170Terminology Relating to Radiation Measurements and
whole, with the exception of the electrical measurements,
Dosimetry
whichareaddressedinotherstandards.Additionalinformation
E181Test Methods for Detector Calibration andAnalysis of
on conducting irradiations can be found in Practices E798 and
Radionuclides
F1190. This practice also may be of use to test sponsors (that
E261Practice for Determining Neutron Fluence, Fluence
is, organizations that establish test specifications or otherwise
Rate, and Spectra by Radioactivation Techniques
have a vested interest in the performance of electronics in
E262Test Method for Determining Thermal Neutron Reac-
neutron environments).
tion Rates and Thermal Neutron Fluence Rates by Radio-
activation Techniques
E263Test Method for Measuring Fast-Neutron Reaction
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E10 on Nuclear
Technology and Applicationsand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
2
E10.07 on Radiation Dosimetry for Radiation Effects on Materials and Devices. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
CurrenteditionapprovedJune1,2007.PublishedJuly2007.Originallyapproved contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
in 1996. L
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