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Results for “Reliability Testing”

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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At least 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1980

Characterization of silicon-gate CMOS/SOS integrated circuits processed with ion implantation

The double layer metallization technology applied on p type silicon gate CMOS/SOS integrated circuits is described. A smooth metal surface was obtained by using the 2% Si-sputtered Al. More than 10% probe yield was achieved on solar cell controller circuit TCS136 (or MSFC-SC101). Reliability tests were performed on 15 arrays at 150 C. Only three arrays failed during the burn in, and 18 arrays out of 22 functioning arrays maintained the leakage current below 100 milli-A. Analysis indicates that this technology will be a viable process if the metal short circuit problem between the two metals can be reduced.

Woo, D. S.↗
NASA NTRS1984

NASA seeking high-power 60-GHz IMPATT diodes

Recent progress in the development of high-power 60 GHz GaAs IMPATT diodes for communication links with high-data-rate satellites is discussed. One of the advantages of GaAs over Si as the material for the diodes are that GaAs is likely to have a higher output and efficiency than Si despite recent advances in Si technology. It is therefore in GaAs technology that research is currently concentrating. Some of the design strategies of the various companies working on the technology are described, including a pill process, MOCVD growth, and the use of diethy zinc as a dopant. Reliability testing of the diodes will be performed by NASA. Some of the alternatives to solid state amplifiers are discussed, including optical and traveling wave tube technology (TWT).

Haugland, E. J.↗
NASA NTRS1985

The investigation of inlet/nozzle flowfield coupling using compact propulsion simulators

An investigation of airframe/propulsion system flowfield coupling has been conducted in the Ames 11-Foot Transonic Wind Tunnel at Mach numbers from 0.40 to 1.40 and at angles-of-attack from -2 to +20 deg. Propulsive flows were simulated by flow-through, jet-effects, and turbo-powered simulators (CMAPS) techniques. The configuration was a 10 percent scale model of a VSTOL canard/wing fighter configuration with twin podded engine nacelles and nonaxisymmetric nozzles. Localized flowfield interactions were present and inlet-nozzle flowfield coupling was identified at supersonic flight conditions. The configuration with simultaneous inlet and nozzle flow simulation (CMAPS) exhibited lower drag supersonically than the flow-through/jet-effects configuration. During this first wind tunnel application of twin simulators in a full aircraft configuration, the CMAPS and control system proved to be a flexible, reliable testing method.

Zilz, D. E.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Accuracy of the Burnett equations for hypersonic real gas flows

Burnett solutions for the structure of normal shock waves for Mach numbers ranging from 1.1 to 50 have been obtained by using the time-dependent equation set in conjunction with modern computational fluid dynamic techniques. The current work seeks to provide corrected and improved high-resolution direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) results for hypersonic shocks in monatomic gases. These DSMC results will serve as a reliable test base for assessing the accuracy of various continuum equations more advanced than Navier-Stokes, such as the Burnett equations. The main conclusion of Fisko and Chapman (1988) that the Burnett equations are more accurate than the Navier-Stokes equations for all gases and at all Mach numbers in matching DSMC shock wave results is reassesed by comparing the improved and corrected DSMC results with continuum Burnett results. Various Burnett results for shocks in a diatomic gas, nitrogen, which include improvements to the work of Lumpkin and Chapman (1989) are presented. It is concluded that the Burnett equations represent a significant improvement over Navier-Stokes equations for flows exhibiting translational nonequilibrium.

Lumpkin, Forrest E., III↗
NASA NTRS1995

A review of propeller noise prediction methodology: 1919-1994

This report summarizes a review of the literature regarding propeller noise prediction methods. The review is divided into six sections: (1) early methods; (2) more recent methods based on earlier theory; (3) more recent methods based on the Acoustic Analogy; (4) more recent methods based on Computational Acoustics; (5) empirical methods; and (6) broadband methods. The report concludes that there are a large number of noise prediction procedures available which vary markedly in complexity. Deficiencies in accuracy of methods in many cases may be related, not to the methods themselves, but the accuracy and detail of the aerodynamic inputs used to calculate noise. The steps recommended in the report to provide accurate and easy to use prediction methods are: (1) identify reliable test data; (2) define and conduct test programs to fill gaps in the existing data base; (3) identify the most promising prediction methods; (4) evaluate promising prediction methods relative to the data base; (5) identify and correct the weaknesses in the prediction methods, including lack of user friendliness, and include features now available only in research codes; (6) confirm the accuracy of improved prediction methods to the data base; and (7) make the methods widely available and provide training in their use.

Metzger, F. Bruce↗
NASA NTRS1997

Updating Gimbal Actuators for the Long Journey to Saturn

The Cassini mission requires extraordinary life and reliability from the linear servo-actuators which position the spacecraft's redundant rocket engines. Both commercial actuators and existing in-house actuator designs were studied for this application. Ultimately a device inherited from JPL's Mariner and Viking missions to Mars was selected because of its close match to functional requirements and its flight pedigree. However, several design improvements were necessary to meet life and reliability goals. Special attention was focused on reliability testing of the motor and mechanism at all stages of procurement and assembly because a brush type of DC motor was retained from the old design. These improvements and, in particular, efforts to develop new component sources are discussed in this paper.

Iskenderian, Theodore↗
NASA NTRS2004

Progress on Space Borne Laser Risk Reduction at Goddard Space Flight Center

At the direction of NASA Headquarters NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) undertook in 2002 a program in fundamental research on laser manufacturing technologies aimed at improving the performance and lifetime of lasers sent into space for remote sensing applications. The work at GSFC has concentrated on three areas: 1) development of high power 1 micron lasers, 2) lifetime and reliability testing for 808 nm pump diodes, and 3) efficient conversion of 1 micron radiation to wavelengths needed for various remote sensing tasks. After almost 2 years of development interesting results in all three areas are beginning to emerge. Some of these results will be described along with discussion of future directions.

Heaps, William S.↗
NASA NTRS2004

L.E.R.C.I.P. Internship Summary

I am currently working towards a double major in Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering. My summer internship at NASA Glenn Research Center has allowed me to apply and further my knowledge of both of these fields. This summer is my second L.E.R.C.I.P. experience, and has worked out equally well as the first. I haven't been working on one single project this year, but instead have had a good variety of thinking work on. Thus far I have spend time on the following tasks: antenna measurements, high-temperature reliability testing, and left-handed metamaterials.

Donovan, Owen↗
NASA NTRS2004

Study of ripple formation in unidirectionally-tensioned membranes

The study of membrane behavior is one of the areas of interest in the development of ultralightweight and lightweight structures for space applications. Utilization of membranes as loadcarrying components or support structure for antenna patch-arrays, collectors, sun-shades and solar-sail reflective surfaces brings about a variety of challenges that require understanding of the ripple-formation phenomenology, development of reliable test and analysis techniques, and solution methods for challenges related to the intended applications. This paper presents interim results from a study on the behavior of unidirectionally tensioned flat and singly-curved membranes. It focuses on preliminary experimental work to explore formation of ripples' and on finite element analysis (FEA) to correlate and predict their formation on thin polyimide membrane models.

radar↗
NASA NTRS2008

IR DirectFET Extreme Environments Evaluation Final Report

In 2007, International Rectifier (IR) introduced a new version of its DirectFET metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) packaging. The new version (referred to as 'Version 2') enhances device moisture resistance, makes surface mount (SMT) assembly of these devices to printed wiring boards (PWBs) more repeatable, and subsequent assembly inspection simpler. In the present study, the National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), in collaboration with Stellar Microelectronics (Stellar), continued an evaluation of the DirectFET that they started together in 2006. The present study focused on comparing the two versions of the DirectFET and examining the suitability of the DirectFET devices for space applications. This study evaluated both versions of two DirectFET packaged devices that had both been shown in the 2006 study to have the best electrical and thermal properties: the IRF6635 and IRF6644. The present study evaluated (1) the relative electrical and thermal performance of both versions of each device, (2) the performance through high reliability testing, and (3) the performance of these devices in combination with a range of alternate solder alloys in the extreme thermal environments of deep space....

electronic parts packaging↗
NASA NTRS2008

Failure Analysis Study and Long-Term Reliability of Optical Assemblies with End-Face Damage

In June 2005, the NESC received a multi-faceted request to determine the long term reliability of fiber optic termini on the ISS that exhibited flaws not manufactured to best workmanship practices. There was a lack of data related to fiber optic workmanship as it affects the long term reliability of optical fiber assemblies in a harsh environment. A fiber optic defect analysis was requested which would find and/or create various types of chips, spalls, scratches, etc., that were identified by the ISS personnel. Once the defects and causes were identified the next step would be to perform long term reliability testing of similar assemblies with similar defects. The goal of the defect analysis would be for the defects to be observed and documented for deterioration of fiber optic performance. Though this report mostly discusses what has been determined as evidence of poor manufacturing processes, it also concludes the majority of the damage could have been avoided with a rigorous process in place.

Kichak, Robert A.↗
NASA NTRS2008

RFID in Space: Exploring the Feasibility and Performance of Gen 2 Tags as a Means of Tracking Equipment, Supplies, and Consumable Products in Cargo Transport Bags onboard a Space Vehicle or Habitat

Current inventory management techniques for consumables and supplies aboard space vehicles are burdensome and time consuming. Inventory of food, clothing, and supplies are taken periodically by manually scanning the barcodes on each item. The inaccuracy of reading barcodes and the excessive amount of time it takes for the astronauts to perform this function would be better spent doing scientific experiments. Therefore, there is a need for an alternative method of inventory control by NASA astronauts. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is an automatic data capture technology that has potential to create a more effective and user-friendly inventory management system (IMS). In this paper we introduce a Design for Six Sigma Research (DFSS-R) methodology that allows for reliability testing of RFID systems. The research methodology uses a modified sequential design of experiments process to test and evaluate the quality of commercially available RFID technology. The results from the experimentation are compared to the requirements provided by NASA to evaluate the feasibility of using passive Generation 2 RFID technology to improve inventory control aboard crew exploration vehicles.

Jones, Erick C.↗
NASA NTRS2009

Effect of Electrostatic Discharge on Electrical Characteristics of Discrete Electronic Components

This article reports on preliminary results of a study conducted to examine how temporary electrical overstress seed fault conditions in discrete power electronic components that cannot be detected with reliability tests but impact longevity of the device. These defects do not result in formal parametric failures per datasheet specifications, but result in substantial change in the electrical characteristics when compared with pristine device parameters. Tests were carried out on commercially available 600V IGBT devices using transmission line pulse (TLP) and system level ESD stress. It was hypothesized that the ESD causes local damage during the ESD discharge which may greatly accelerate degradation mechanisms and thus reduce the life of the components. This hypothesis was explored in simulation studies where different types of damage were imposed to different parts of the device. Experimental results agree qualitatively with the simulation for a number of tests which will motivate more in-depth modeling of the damage.

Wysocki, Phil↗
NASA NTRS2010

Development of Fiber-Based Laser Systems for LISA

We present efforts on fiber-based laser systems for the LISA mission at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. A fiber-based system has the advantage of higher robustness against external disturbances and easier implementation of redundancies. For a master oscillator, we are developing a ring fiber laser and evaluating two commercial products, a DBR linear fiber laser and a planar-waveguide external cavity diode laser. They all have comparable performance to a traditional NPRO at LISA band. We are also performing reliability tests of a 2-W Yb fiber amplifier and radiation tests of fiber laser/amplifier components. We describe our progress to date and discuss the path to a working LISA laser system design.

Numata, Kenji↗
NASA NTRS2014

Evaluation of Magnetoresistive RAM for Space Applications

Magnetoresistive random-access memory (MRAM) is a non-volatile memory that exploits electronic spin, rather than charge, to store data. Instead of moving charge on and off a floating gate to alter the threshold voltage of a CMOS transistor (creating different bit states), MRAM uses magnetic fields to flip the polarization of a ferromagnetic material thus switching its resistance and bit state. These polarized states are immune to radiation-induced upset, thus making MRAM very attractive for space application. These magnetic memory elements also have infinite data retention and erase/program endurance. Presented here are results of reliability testing of two space-qualified MRAM products from Aeroflex and Honeywell.

Heidecker, Jason↗
NASA NTRS2008

IR DirectFET extreme environments evaluation final report

This study evaluated both versions of two DirectFET packaged devices that had both been shown in the 2006 study to have the best electrical and thermal properties: the IRF6635 and IRF6644. The present study evaluated (1) the relative electrical and thermal performance of both versions of each device, (2) the performance through high reliability testing, and (3) the performance of these devices in combination with a range of alternate solder alloys in the extreme thermal environments of deep space.

Mottiwala, Amin↗
NASA NTRS2010

Reliability of area array packages with 1500-2500 I/Os

This report first provides a literature survey for designing, manufacturing, and reliability test results for area array packages with 1500 to 2500 inputs/outputs (I/Os). It then presents test matrix on design, yield, and workmanship defects on assembly and environmental testing, including thermal cycle and mechanical drop-test evaluation results for FCBGA1704, FPBGA432, and PBGA676 I/Os packages assembled onto printed circuit/wiring boards (PCBs/PWBs). Finally, it summarizes lessons learned from test results for assembly and environmental testing along with optical, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and x-ray photomicrographs showing damage progress.

Ghaffarian, Reza↗
NASA NTRS2023

Assessment of Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical (EEE) Parts Copper Wire Bonds for Space Programs

The NASA Electronic Parts and Packaging Program co-manager, requested the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) to compile a body of publicly available knowledge on copper (Cu) wire bonds and perform reliability testing and analysis on these bonds, including environment tests, sample destructive physical analysis, and bond pull/shear tests during environment test intervals. The goal was to understand the risks of using Cu wire bonds for space applications and develop guidelines on Cu bond pull/shear limits for NASA applications. This document contains the results of the NESC assessment.

Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical↗