How Rad Hard Do You Need ? The Changing Approach To Space Parts Selection ?

Traditional radiation hardened or “rad hard” parts are generally considered to be capable of withstanding the most severe space environments. In fact, these devices are designed and fabricated with the specific goal of enduring the harshest space radiation environments. And while they have tremendous radiation capabilities, these parts are more expensive and less advanced that today’s commercially available components. As a result, the main customers for these ICs have generally been wellfunded military and scientific entities.