FPGA Field Programmable Gate Array Space Qualification Presentation

1
FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) Space
Qualification Presentation

• Larry Harzstark
• 12-07-05

2
Space Qualification Background

• In recent years, the government, during
  acquisition reform, has not required space
  systems manufacturers to absolutely utilize
  space-qualified parts in their systems.
• Systems manufacturers have evaluated the best
  part available and determined through a
  self-selected series of tests and analyses that a
  specific device is acceptable and meets the
  system performance and reliability requirements.
• However, based on a number of recent problems
  experienced, which have had a critical impact
  upon launch schedules as well as on-orbit
  performance, it has been determined that a more
  stringent approach to parts, materials and
  processes must be followed.

3
Space Qualification Background

• Therefore, a review of the space level
  requirements for utilization was begun.
• The government is currently in the process of
  re-invigorating specs and standards that will be
  imposed on contract for the space user community
• The specs and standards will require the use of a
  full-up space qualified part
• Non-space qualified parts will be by exception
  only and will still require the same types of
  analysis and testing

4
Specs and Standards Re-vitalization

• MIL-STD-1546 (Parts Management) and MIL-STD-1547
  (Technical Requirements) have been updated and
  published as Aerospace Technical Operating
  Reports (TOR)
• These TORs are currently being placed on
  contract with the prime contractors
• In addition, Aerospace and government/industry
  committees are re-writing MIL-STD-1546 and 1547
  to include more stringent requirements
• These new versions of the mil-specs will take the
  place of the Aerospace TORs in late 2006

5
Need for An FPGA Space Qualification Plan

• Due to problems being experienced by the space
  community on an FPGA device, a review of the test
  and evaluation activity by the supplier and
  contractors was undertaken
• This review identified the need for a new
  technology insertion guideline and tighter
  requirements for space utilization
• Therefore, it was decided to initially start with
  developing a space qualification plan for FPGA
  devices

6
FPGA Space Qualification Plan

• Basic concept of the plan is to ensure a complete
  understanding of all failure mechanisms and
  mitigation strategies
• The plan included the standard requirements of
  MIL-PRF-38535 and enhanced areas deemed to be
  critical for new technologies
• It defined requirements for characterization,
  qualification, manufacturing and radiation

7
Details of Space Qualification Plan

• Characterization all aspects of the device
  technology must be evaluated to ensure the
  process is well controlled, the long term
  reliability of the product is established,
  radiation characteristics are identified and
  overall parametric performance is well defined in
  terms of margins and areas of concern
• Wafer Level Reliability (i.e Electromigration,
  TDDB, Hot Carrier, Antifuse, etc)
• Failure Modes Effects Analysis evaluation of
  all potential failure modes and the impacts
• Physics of Failure approach

8
Details of Space Qualification Plan

• Characterization
• Activation Energy
• Process variability analysis
• Wafer Lot Acceptance
• Long Term Reliability Testing and Failure Rates
• Manufacturing
• Process must be documented
• System must be established to ensure
  configuration and control
• Statistical Process Controls must be implemented
• Evaluation of maturity of manufacturing process
• Multiple manufacturing lots
• Process and performance repeatability
• Yield

9
Details of Space Qualification Plan

• Qualification
• MIL-PRF-38535 Group A, B, C and D Testing
• Group A electrical
• Group B mechanical
• Group C die related/life test
• Group D package
• ESD Testing
• Latch-up Testing
• Testing for Other Failure Mechanisms (i.e. low
  activation energy)

10
Details of Space Qualification Plan

• Qualification
• Long Term Validation
• 6000 hour reliability life tests at hot and cold
  temperatures
• Radiation Testing
• Total Dose
• Single Event Effects

11
Conclusions

• Due to parts, materials and processes problems
  experienced by the space community, a more
  stringent approach to new technology insertion
  and qualification is being pursued by the
  government
• This presentation provided the framework for the
  space qualification requirements for Field
  Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs)
• New technology insertion guideline plans are
  being developed with the intent of the government
  to flowdown to prime contractors