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Radiation Hardened Microelectronics
DoD satellite and missile systems have unique radiation and electrical requirements that
commercial systems need not meet. These defense systems are designed to survive extreme
weapons-produced nuclear radiation environments (for example, neutrons, radiation dose rate,
high total radiation dose) and ensure the nation's survival through uninterrupted autonomous
operation of defense unique functions (threat detection, tracking, engagement, and assured
command and control communications). In order to meet these unique requirements many
defense systems utilize specially manufactured microelectronic devices. Commercial off-the-
shelf-electronics are not designed to survive in these environments and each new generation of
commercial electronics displays greater radiation vulnerabilities.
Radiation hardened
microelectronics are designed to withstand the deleterious effects of extremely high radiation
levels that might occur as the result of a nuclear weapon burst or long-term radiation exposure.