EDA for Strategic Radiation Hardened Precision Analog IC Obsolescence Mitigation

ABSTRACT:The problem being addressed in the M&A, Inc. ANDROMEDA program is obsolescence of strategic hardened analog integrated circuits (ICs). Most of the suppliers of analog ICs for strategic hardened systems are no longer supporting the parts and processes developed for those programs. Virtually all U.S. strategic assets are faced with such electronics obsolescence problems. Our approach to solving this problem is based on an IC retargeting model which applies Radiation Hard By Design (RHBD) principles in commercial semiconductor foundry processes. This model has gained considerable traction for natural space radiation hardened IC development; we advocate the extension of RHBD and the fabless semiconductor model into the realm of nuclear weapons effects (NWE) hardening. Key elements in the approach we are developing include the enhancement of commercially established EDA flows with radiation effects awareness and rules for hardened by design, and also the use of technology characterization vehicles for extracting radiation-specific effects models and design rules from commercial processes.BENEFIT:Our approach will enable reductions in the cost and time for replacing obsolete radiation-hardened parts. In addition to solving obsolete part problems for currently aging systems, our approach will enable obsolescence-resistant approaches to procuring electronics for new space and strategic systems.