Characterization and Early Qualification Activities on Si Planar Blocking Diodes

To use EEE parts designed to be embodied into safe and resistant packages directly exposed to space on a solar array was always reason for concerns. Thermal and radiation environments are by far more severe and additional problems could arise because of other specific mission environments like plume and atomic oxygen. In addition, for years the space community is looking for a blocking diode with a package which can be efficiently integrated on the strings of the solar panel optimizing the manufacturing process of the solar array. This exercise recently led to the identification of a potentially suitable technology.