RHA Implications of Proton on Gold-Plated Package Structures in SEE Evaluations

Proton single event dielectric rupture was observed in Analog Devices OP470 devices only when the package included gold flashing facing the die on the inner surface of the metal lid. The supply voltage was also a factor. Analysis shows that proton on gold fission fragments have the linear energy transfer and range to cause this effect. The physics of proton on gold reactions and radiation hardness assurance implications are explored.