Impact of junction temperature on microelectronic device reliability and considerations for space applications

The space community and other high reliability users of microelectronic devices have been derating junction temperature and other critical stress parameters for decades to improve device reliability and extend operating life. Semiconductor technology scaling and process improvements, however, compel us to reassess common failure mechanisms and established derating guidelines to provide affirmation that common derating factors remain adequate for current technologies used in high reliability space applications. It is incumbent upon the user to develop an understanding of advanced technology failure mechanisms through modeling, accelerated testing, and failure analysis prior to product insertion in critical applications. This paper provides a summary of an industry survey on junction temperature derating from key microelectronics suppliers, and offers recommendations to users for temperature derating for reliable operation over time. Background information on established derating factors, and recommendations for safe operating junction temperatures for newer technologies are also presented.