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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Re-thinking the Approach to COTS Electronics for Space Applications

This talk will provide the immediate drivers for broad introduction of COTS into NASA missions and the supporting new options for parts assurance that are being introduced into NASA policy, which build on the results of the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) COTS Phase 2 study. It will also provide a new approach at electronics development that will be necessary to align the agency with the current reality in manufacturing, technology, budgetary, and time limitations. It will also provide some of the highlights and drivers for the use of COTS and brief recommendations for how to successfully select and use COTS parts.

risk↗
NASA NTRS2017

Evaluation of Fast Switching Diode 1N4448 Over a Wide Temperature Range

Electronic parts used in the design of power systems geared for space applications are often exposed to extreme temperatures and thermal cycling. Limited data exist on the performance and reliability of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) electronic parts at temperatures beyond the manufacturers specified operating temperature range. This report summarizes preliminary results obtained on the evaluation of automotive-grade, fast switching diodes over a wide temperature range and thermal cycling. The investigations were carried out to establish a baseline on functionality of these diodes and to determine suitability for use outside their recommended temperature limits.

Thermal Cycling↗
NASA NTRS2023

Guidelines for Screening, Lot Acceptance, and Derating for Polymer Tantalum Capacitors

These guidelines have been developed for NASA space projects that are planning to use new technology hermetic and chip polymer cathode tantalum capacitors. Polymer Tantalum Capacitors (PTC) selected from MIL-PRF-32700, automotive grade (AEC-Q200) parts, or COTS+ (hi-rel COTS) capacitors should be screened and qualified as suggested in Tables 1-3 and derated per section 9 below. Screening and lot acceptance tests that were carried out for a lot that is intended for flight as a part of the manufacturing process do not need to be repeated

tantalum capacitors↗
NASA NTRS2004

COTS Ceramic Chip Capacitors: An Evaluation of the Parts and Assurance Methodologies

Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) multilayer ceramic chip capacitors (MLCCs) are continually evolving to reduce physical size and increase volumetric efficiency. Designers of high reliability aerospace and military systems are attracted to these attributes of COTS MLCCs and would like to take advantage of them while maintaining the high standards for long-term reliable operation they are accustomed io when selecting military qualified established reliability (MIL-ER) MLCCs. However, MIL-ER MLCCs are not available in the full range of small chip sizes with high capacitance as found in today's COTS MLCCs. The objectives for this evaluation were to assess the long-term performance of small case size COTS MLCCs and to identify effective, lower-cost product assurance methodologies. Fifteen (15) lots of COTS X7R dielectric MLCCs from four (4) different manufacturers and two (2) MIL-ER BX dielectric MLCCs from two (2) of the same manufacturers were evaluated. Both 0805 and 0402 chip sizes were included. Several voltage ratings were tested ranging from a high of 50 volts to a low of 6.3 volts. The evaluation consisted of a comprehensive screening and qualification test program based upon MIL-PRF-55681 (i.e., voltage conditioning, thermal shock, moisture resistance, 2000-hour life test, etc.). In addition, several lot characterization tests were performed including Destructive Physical Analysis (DPA), Highly Accelerated Life Test (HALT) and Dielectric Voltage Breakdown Strength. The data analysis included a comparison of the 2000-hour life test results (used as a metric for long-term performance) relative to the screening and characterization test results. Results of this analysis indicate that the long-term life performance of COTS MLCCs is variable -- some lots perform well, some lots perform poorly. DPA and HALT were found to be promising lot characterization tests to identify substandard COTS MLCC lots prior to conducting more expensive screening and qualification tests. The results indicate that lot- specific screening and qualification are still recommended for high reliability applications. One significant and concerning observation is that MIL- type voltage conditioning (100 hours at twice rated voltage, 125 C) was not an effective screen in removing infant mortality parts for the particular lots of COTS MLCCs evaluated.

Brusse, Jay A.↗
NASA NTRS2009

SOI N-Channel Field Effect Transistors, CHT-NMOS80, for Extreme Temperatures

Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, are anticipated in many of NASA space exploration missions as well as in terrestrial applications. One can seldom find electronics that are capable of operation under both regimes. Even for operation under one (hot or cold) temperature extreme, some thermal controls need to be introduced to provide appropriate ambient temperatures so that spacecraft on-board or field on-site electronic systems work properly. The inclusion of these controls, which comprise of heating elements and radiators along with their associated structures, adds to the complexity in the design of the system, increases cost and weight, and affects overall reliability. Thus, it would be highly desirable and very beneficial to eliminate these thermal measures in order to simplify system's design, improve efficiency, reduce development and launch costs, and improve reliability. These requirements can only be met through the development of electronic parts that are designed for proper and efficient operation under extreme temperature conditions. Silicon-on-insulator (SOI) based devices are finding more use in harsh environments due to the benefits that their inherent design offers in terms of reduced leakage currents, less power consumption, faster switching speeds, good radiation tolerance, and extreme temperature operability. Little is known, however, about their performance at cryogenic temperatures and under wide thermal swings. The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of a new commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) SOI parts over an extended temperature range and to determine the effects of thermal cycling on their performance. The results will establish a baseline on the suitability of such devices for use in space exploration missions under extreme temperatures, and will aid mission planners and circuit designers in the proper selection of electronic parts and circuits. The electronic part investigated in this work comprised of a CHT-NMOS80 high temperature N-channel MOSFET (metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor) device that was manufactured by CISSOID. This high voltage, medium-power transistor is fabricated using SOI processes and is designed for extreme wide temperature applications such as geothermal well logging, aerospace and avionics, and automotive industry. It has a high DC current capability and is specified for operation in the temperature range of -55 C to +225 C

Patterson, Richard L.↗
NASA NTRS2020

Threats to Resiliency of Redundant Systems Due to Destructive SEE

Destructive SEE pose serious challenges for the reliable use of COTS devices in space systems. We used system-level modeling to determine SEL rates that would likely compromise system reliability, resilience and capabilities. We then assembled a representative dataset of COTS CMOS parts and used nonparametric statistical techniques to assess the threat posed to redundant systems by destructive SEE.

single-event effects↗
NASA NTRS1992

Future manned systems advanced avionics study

COTS+ was defined in this study as commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products, ruggedized and militarized components, and COTS technology. This study cites the benefits of integrating COTS+ in space, postulates a COTS+ integration methodology, and develops requirements and an architecture to achieve integration. Developmental needs and concerns were identified throughout the study; these needs, concerns, and recommendations relative to their abatement are subsequently presented for further action and study. The COTS+ concept appears workable in part or in totality. No COTS+ technology gaps were identified; however, radiation tolerance was cited as a concern, and the deferred maintenance issue resurfaced. Further study is recommended to explore COTS+ cost-effectiveness, maintenance philosophy, needs, concerns, and utility metrics. The generation of a development plan to further investigate and integrate COTS+ technology is recommended. A COTS+ transitional integration program is recommended. Sponsoring and establishing technology maturation programs and COTS+ engineering and standards committees are deemed necessary and are recommended for furthering COTS+ integration in space.

Sawamura, Bob↗
NASA NTRS2004

COTS Ceramic Chip Capacitors: An Evaluation of the Parts and Assurance Methodologies

This viewgraph presentation profiles an experiment to evaluate the suitability of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) ceramic chip capacitors for NASA spaceflight applications. The experiment included: 1) Voltage Conditioning ('Burn-In'); 2) Highly Accelerated Life Test (HALT); 3) Destructive Physical Analysis (DPA); 4) Ultimate Voltage Breakdown Strength. The presentation includes results for each of the capacitors used in the experiment.

Sampson, Michael J.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Operation of a New COTS Crystal Oscillator - CXOMHT over a Wide Temperature Range

Crystal oscillators are extensively used in electronic circuits to provide timing or clocking signals in data acquisition, communications links, and control systems, to name a few. They are affordable, small in size, and reliable. Because of the inherent characteristics of the crystal, the oscillator usually exhibits extreme accuracy in its output frequency within the intrinsic crystal stability. Stability of the frequency could be affected under varying load levels or other operational conditions. Temperature is one of those important factors that influence the frequency stability of an oscillator; as it does to the functionality of other electronic components. Electronics designed for use in NASA deep space and planetary exploration missions are expected to be exposed to extreme temperatures and thermal cycling over a wide range. Thus, it is important to design and develop circuits that are able to operate efficiently and reliably under in these harsh temperature environments. Most of the commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) devices are very limited in terms of their specified operational temperature while very few custom-made commercial and military-grade parts have the ability to operate in a slightly wider range of temperature than those of the COTS parts. These parts are usually designed for operation under one temperature extreme, i.e. hot or cold, and do not address the wide swing in the operational temperature, which is typical of the space environment. For safe and successful space missions, electronic systems must therefore be designed not only to withstand the extreme temperature exposure but also to operate efficiently and reliably. This report presents the results obtained on the evaluation of a new COTS crystal oscillator under extreme temperatures.

Patterson, Richard↗
NASA NTRS2021

A Study of Lessons and Experiences of NASA Centers in the Use of Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) Electronics

The NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) sponsored a Technical Assessment relating to the utilization of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) electrical, electronic, and electromechanical (EEE) parts in spaceflight systems at NASA Centers. The assessment had two primary goals. The first was to capture each NASA Centers’ current practices, best practices, lessons learned and Center-proposed recommendations on the use of COTS EEE parts and assemblies in critical ground support equipment (GSE). The second was to provide recommendations on the use of COTS, including a set of current best practices based on the Centers’ current and best practices and the NESC team’s discussions. One key achievement made by the assessment team was the characterization of the term Industry Leading Parts Manufacturers (ILPMs) as parts manufacturer with high volume automatic production facilities and which can provide documented proof of the technology, process and product qualification, and its implementation of the best practices for “zero defects” for parts quality, reliability and workmanship. The assessment concluded with numerous findings, takeaways and recommendations that will be discussed during this presentation.

commercial↗
DOE OSTI2020

Commercial Electronic Part Class Definitions

Electronic parts used in Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE) applications have varying pedigrees. Understanding the differences among these "part classes" will better enable Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC) and Sandia National Laboratories (SNL, or Sandia) to effectively manage factors such as risk, effort, cost, etc. across all functional areas which have a shared interest in the definition and acquisition process. Regardless of the pedigree and complexity, all parts are expected to meet necessary quality and reliability requirements. This activity has been conducted as part of the COTS Transformation Initiative (CTI).

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS2008

Electronic Components for use in Extreme Temperature Aerospace Applications

Electrical power management and control systems designed for use in planetary exploration missions and deep space probes require electronics that are capable of efficient and reliable operation under extreme temperature conditions. Space-based infra-red satellites, all-electric ships, jet engines, electromagnetic launchers, magnetic levitation transport systems, and power facilities are also typical examples where the electronics are expected to be exposed to harsh temperatures and to operate under severe thermal swings. Most commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) devices are not designed to function under such extreme conditions and, therefore, new parts must be developed or the conventional devices need to be modified. For example, spacecraft operating in the cold environment of deep space carry a large number of radioisotope heating units in order to maintain the surrounding temperature of the on-board electronics at approximately 20 C. At the other end, built-in radiators and coolers render the operation of electronics possible under hot conditions. These thermal measures lead to design complexity, affect development costs, and increase size and weight. Electronics capable of operation at extreme temperatures, thus, will not only tolerate the hostile operational environment, but also make the overall system efficient, more reliable, and less expensive. The Extreme Temperature Electronics Program at the NASA Glenn Research Center focuses on research and development of electronics suitable for applications in the aerospace environment and deep space exploration missions. Research is being conducted on devices, including COTS parts, for potential use under extreme temperatures. These components include semiconductor switching devices, passive devices, DC/DC converters, operational amplifiers, and oscillators. An overview of the program will be presented along with some experimental findings.

Patterson, Richard L.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Twelve Channel Optical Fiber Connector Assembly: From Commercial Off the Shelf to Space Flight Use

The commercial off the shelf (COTS) twelve channel optical fiber MTP array connector and ribbon cable assembly is being validated for space flight use and the results of this study to date are presented here. The interconnection system implemented for the Parallel Fiber Optic Data Bus (PFODB) physical layer will include a 100/140 micron diameter optical fiber in the cable configuration among other enhancements. As part of this investigation, the COTS 62.5/125 microns optical fiber cable assembly has been characterized for space environment performance as a baseline for improving the performance of the 100/140 micron diameter ribbon cable for the Parallel FODB application. Presented here are the testing and results of random vibration and thermal environmental characterization of this commercial off the shelf (COTS) MTP twelve channel ribbon cable assembly. This paper is the first in a series of papers which will characterize and document the performance of Parallel FODB's physical layer from COTS to space flight worthy.

Ott, Melaine N.↗
NASA NTRS2012

An Operationally Based Vision Assessment Simulator for Domes

The Operational Based Vision Assessment (OBVA) simulator was designed and built by NASA and the United States Air Force (USAF) to provide the Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM) with a scientific testing laboratory to study human vision and testing standards in an operationally relevant environment. This paper describes the general design objectives and implementation characteristics of the simulator visual system being created to meet these requirements. A key design objective for the OBVA research simulator is to develop a real-time computer image generator (IG) and display subsystem that can display and update at 120 frame s per second (design target), or at a minimum, 60 frames per second, with minimal transport delay using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technology. There are three key parts of the OBVA simulator that are described in this paper: i) the real-time computer image generator, ii) the various COTS technology used to construct the simulator, and iii) the spherical dome display and real-time distortion correction subsystem. We describe the various issues, possible COTS solutions, and remaining problem areas identified by NASA and the USAF while designing and building the simulator for future vision research. We also describe the critically important relationship of the physical display components including distortion correction for the dome consistent with an objective of minimizing latency in the system. The performance of the automatic calibration system used in the dome is also described. Various recommendations for possible future implementations shall also be discussed.

Archdeacon, John↗
NASA NTRS2010

Use of a Frequency Divider to Evaluate an SOI NAND Gate Device, Type CHT-7400, for Wide Temperature Applications

Frequency dividers constitute essential elements in designing phase-locked loop circuits and microwave systems. In addition, they are used in providing required clocking signals to microprocessors and can be utilized as digital counters. In some applications, particularly space missions, electronics are often exposed to extreme temperature conditions. Therefore, it is required that circuits designed for such applications incorporate electronic parts and devices that can tolerate and operate efficiently in harsh temperature environments. While present electronic circuits employ COTS (commercial-off- the-shelf) parts that necessitate and are supported with some form of thermal control systems to maintain adequate temperature for proper operation, it is highly desirable and beneficial if the thermal conditioning elements are eliminated. Amongst these benefits are: simpler system design, reduced weight and size, improved reliability, simpler maintenance, and reduced cost. Devices based on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology, which utilizes the addition of an insulation layer in the device structure to reduce leakage currents and to minimize parasitic junctions, are well suited for high temperatures due to reduced internal heating as compared to the conventional silicon devices, and less power consumption. In addition, SOI electronic integrated circuits display good tolerance to radiation by virtue of introducing barriers or lengthening the path for penetrating particles and/or providing a region for trapping incident ionization. The benefits of these parts make them suitable for use in deep space and planetary exploration missions where extreme temperatures and radiation are encountered. Although designed for high temperatures, very little data exist on the operation of SOI devices and circuits at cryogenic temperatures. In this work, the performance of a divide-by-two frequency divider circuit built using COTS SOI logic gates was evaluated over a wide temperature range and thermal cycling to determine suitability for use in space exploration missions and terrestrial fields under extreme temperature conditions.

Patterson, Richard L.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Survey Report on Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Tracking Tools

Radioactive/nuclear (R/N) materials are integral parts of many business sectors such as medicine, industry, and research. In the United States alone, approximately 3 million packages containing R/N materials are shipped annually via highways, rail, air, and water. These materials are utilized in medical diagnostics and treatments, industrial radiography, and scientific research. The secure and efficient transportation of R/N materials is paramount to public safety and national security. Recent incidents involving the loss of R/N materials during transportation highlight significant security and safety concerns. For instance, in December 2024, a package containing four encapsulated Selenium-75 sources was reported lost in transit from the Czech Republic to Madrid, raising alarms about the security of such shipments. Similarly, a Germanium-68 pin source was reported lost in transit in New Jersey in December 2024, underscoring the risks associated with transporting radioactive materials.

98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL P↗