Satellite anomalies from galactic cosmic rays

Journal Article · Mon Dec 01 00:00:00 EST 1975 · IEEE Trans. Nucl. Sci., v. NS-22, no. 6, pp. 2675-2680

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/TNS.1975.4328188· OSTI ID:4094577

Binder, D; Smith, E C; Holman, A B

Anomalies in communication satellite operation have been caused by the unexpected triggering of digital circuits. Interactions with galactic cosmic rays were investigated as a mechanism for a number of these events. The mechanism assumed was the charging of the base-emitter capacitance of sensitive transistors to the turn-on voltage. The calculation of the cosmic ray event rate required the determination of transistor parameters, charge collection efficiencies, and the number of sensitive transistors. The sensitive transistors were determined by analyzing the results of a scanning electron microscope experiment. Calculations with iron cosmic rays resulted in an event rate of 3.1 x 10$sup -3$ per transistor per year, in reasonable agreement with the observed rate of 1.5 x 10$sup -3$. (auth)

• Research Organization: Hughes Aircraft Co., Culver City, CA
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-33-020363
• OSTI ID: 4094577
• Journal Information: IEEE Trans. Nucl. Sci., v. NS-22, no. 6, pp. 2675-2680, Conference: Annual conference on nuclear and space radiation effects, Arcata, CA, 14 Jul 1975; Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 30-JUN-76
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

N46300* -Instrumentation-Radiation Effects on Instrument Components
Instruments
or Electronic Systems
440200* -Instrumentation-Radiation Effects on Instrument Components
Instruments
or Electronic Systems
*DIGITAL CIRCUITS- PHYSICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
*SATELLITES- PHYSICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
BUILDUP
CHARGE COLLECTION
COMMUNICATIONS
COSMIC RADIATION
IRON IONS
TRANSISTORS