Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Silicon carbide (SiC) is a key material for electronics operating in harsh environments due to its wide bandgap, high thermal conductivity, and radiation hardness. In this work, we present a SPICE model for a 4H-SiC BJT and TTL inverter exposed to gamma radiation. The devices were fabricated using a dedicated SiC bipolar process at KTH (Sweden) and tested at the 60Co Calliope (Italy) facility up to 800 krad (Si). Experimental data, including Gummel plots and inverter transfer characteristics, were used to calibrate and refine a VBIC-based SPICE model. The adjusted model accounts for both bulk and surface degradation mechanisms by extracting parameters of forward current gain (βF), saturation current (IS), base resistance (RB), and forward transit time (TF). Results show a uniform degradation of BJTs, primarily manifested as reduced current gain and increased base resistance, while the inverter maintained functional operation up to 600 krad(Si). Extrapolation of the SPICE model predicts a failure threshold near 16 Mrad(Si), far exceeding the tolerance of conventional silicon circuits. By linking radiation-induced defects at the material and interface levels to circuit-level behavior, the proposed model enables realistic design and lifetime prediction of SiC integrated circuits for satellites, planetary missions, and other radiation-intensive applications.
Source: Micromachines
DOI: 10.3390/mi16111246
Institution: KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,534
Funder: Swedish National Space Agency
OpenAlex ID: W4415807805