Digital integrated circuits are specified to operate with their inputs and outputs in either a logical 1 or a logical 0 state. The occurrence of signals having voltage levels not meeting the specifications of either of these levels (an upset condition) may cause the generation and propagation of erroneous data in a digital system.

Knowledge of the radiation dose rate that causes upset in digital integrated circuits is essential for the design, production, and maintenance of electronic systems that are required to operate in the presence of pulsed radiation environments.

1.1 This test method covers the measurement of the threshold level of radiation dose rate that causes upset in digital integrated circuits under static operating conditions. The radiation source is either a flash X-ray machine (FXR) or an electron linear accelerator (LINAC).

1.2 The precision of the measurement depends on the homogeneity of the radiation field and on the precision of the radiation dosimetry and the recording instrumentation.

1.3 The test may be destructive either for further tests or for purposes other than this test if the integrated circuit being tested absorbs a total radiation dose exceeding some predetermined level. Because this level depends both on the kind of integrated circuit and on the application, a specific value must be agreed upon by the parties to the test (6.8).

1.4 Setup, calibration, and test circuit evaluation procedures are included in this test method.

1.5 Procedures for lot qualification and sampling are not included in this test method.

1.6 Because of the variability of the response of different device types, the initial dose rate for any specific test is not given in this test method but must be agreed upon by the parties to the test.

1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.