Radiation Hardness Assurance for Spacecraft Electronics

Primary Investigators:
Brian Sierawski
 
Brief Description of Project:
Student will support NASA models and software tools for microelectronics radiation hardness assurance. Electronics used in space systems must be robust in order to reliably operate in the natural space environment. In particular, ionizing radiation degrades and disrupts microelectronics. Commercial electronics are especially at risk but are desirable for their size, power, and cost reductions. Assessments of on-orbit failures are made from ground-based tests and simulations. This project will support the development of hardware systems for radiation effects assessment. The thrust of this summer project is to involve the student in graduate research and introduce the student to radiation hardness assurance activities.

Desired Qualifications:
EECS students with programming experience
 
Nature of Supervision:
The student will interact with VU faculty (Sierawski, Reed) and ISDE engineers. Student will attend weekly technical research meetings with faculty and graduate students.
 
A Brief Research Plan (period is for 10 weeks):
1. Become familiar with radiation effects and the space environment
2. Learn how to model radiation effects
3. Assist with the analysis or development of models
4. Perform tests and document efforts

Number of Open Slots: 1
 
Contact Information:
Name: Brian Sierawski
Title: Research Assistant Professor
Department: EECS
Email: brian.sierawski@vanderbilt.edu