TOPEX/Poseidon Radiation Issues: Displacement Damage in Optocouplers

Abstract

In this paper we describe observed failures of optocouplers on the TOPEX/Poseidon (T/P) ocean measuring satellite. An indirect assessment is made of proton doses by the spacecraft, and these data are compared with laboratory proton irradiations of optocouplers. It is shown that the T/P failures occur at expected doses for proton-induced displacement damage.