difference between radiation tolerant and radiation hardened

[joniengr081]

What is the difference between radiation tolerant and radiation hardened ? When we say an IC is radiation hardened, does not it means that it is also called radiation tolerant device ?

[AnalogTodd]

What is the difference between radiation tolerant and radiation hardened ? When we say an IC is radiation hardened, does not it means that it is also called radiation tolerant device ?

The difference is in testing and guarantees from the company providing the product. Radiation hardened (RH) is usually specified to higher total dose amounts of ionizing radiation (total ionizing dose or TID) and is often tested for single event effects (SEE) with reports detailing results of performance. Radiation tolerant (RT) is often characterized to lower total dose levels and does not always have the SEE testing done. The major differences are where the products typically get used--RT parts are usually just for low earth orbit (LEO) where they won't see as much radiation long-term and have much fewer single events that tend to be lower energy (lower linear energy transfer or LET). When going further out into space, RH products can protect against system upsets from single events and perform to higher TID levels.