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U.S. Department of Energy
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Error analysis and prevention of cosmic ion-induced soft errors in static CMOS RAMS

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5183679
Cosmic ray interactions with memory cells are known to cause temporary, random, bit errors in some designs. The sensitivity of polysilicon gate CMOS static RAM designs to logic upset by impinging ions has been studied using computer simulations and experimental heavy ion bombardment. Results of the simulations are confirmed by experimental upset cross-section data. Analytical models have been extended to determine and evaluate design modifications which reduce memory cell sensitivity to cosmic ions. A simple design modification, the addition of decoupling resistance in the feedback path, is shown to produce static RAMs immune to cosmic ray-induced bit errors.
Research Organization:
Auburn Univ., AL (USA). Dept. of Electrical Engineering; Sandia Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA); Aerospace Corp., Los Angeles, CA (USA). Space Sciences Lab.
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00789
OSTI ID:
5183679
Report Number(s):
SAND-82-0723C; CONF-820708-6; ON: DE82018967
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English