RKS: Gamma ray irradiator for testing electronic component base products

2023: Announcement of gamma ray irradiator for testing of electronic component base products

Specialists of the Scientific Center for Certification of Elements and Equipment (NC SEO) of the Russian Space Systems holding have developed and patented a compact gamma-ray irradiator for testing products of the electronic component base. The installation simulates radiation in orbit - this is necessary to check electronic components and small-sized units of radioelectronic equipment that can work for a long time in an aggressive space environment. This was announced on September 4, 2023 by representatives of the RKS.

Gamma ray irradiator for testing electronic component base products

The gamma ray irradiator has a simple and convenient design, ensures reliable operation and radiation safety. The use of the plant expands the competence of our center, makes it possible to conduct tests of the electronic component base for resistance to low-intensity dose exposure. This will ensure full control of electronic component base products when creating RKS space equipment. We will shorten the production cycle of equipment manufacturing, and we will also be able to conduct research in the field of radiation physics, chemistry, materials science, biology. told Timofey KASKOV, Head of NC SEO RKS

The efficiency of the on-board spacecraft equipment during operation in orbit directly depends on the reliability and duration of the electronic component base products. Therefore, their tests are carried out using special equipment that simulates various influencing factors, including ionizing radiation from outer space. RKS annually checks about a million electronic components from simple transistors to ultra-large integrated circuits and ultra-high-frequency products. They are subjected to climatic and mechanical tests, reliability testing, as well as they undergo optical, X-ray, functional and parametric control.

The holding's partner in the creation of high-tech equipment was Institute of Physical and Technical Problems JSC (IFTP, part of the management loop of JSC "RuSat Automated control systems State Corporation"), Rosatom which, by order of the RKS, made the installation. The gamma ray irradiator is 100% composed of domestic components.

The Scientific Center for Certification of Elements and Equipment of the RKS is a testing platform Roskosmos for certification of the element base for space instrumentation. NC SEA creates testing equipment for the space industry.

Previously, a fully autonomous electrical inspection system was patented. The device allows testing elements of a component base around the clock, simulating the real loads that electronics experience at the first, most difficult stages of spacecraft operation.