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Analysis of a Memory Device FailureThe recent failure of a vintage memory device presented a unique challenge to failure analysts. Normally device layouts, fabrication parameters and other technical information were available to assist the analyst in the analysis. However, this device was out of production for many years and the manufacturer was no longer in business, so the information was not available. To further complicate this analysis, the package leads were all but removed making additional electrical testing difficult. Under these conditions, new and innovative methods were used to analyze the failure. The external visual exam, radiography, PIND, and leak testing were performed with nominal results. Since electrical testing was precluded by the short lead lengths, the device was delidded to expose the internal structures for microscopic examination. No failure mechanism was identified. The available electrical data suggested an ESD or low level EOS type mechanism which left no visible surface damage. Due to parallel electrical paths, electrical probing on the chip failed to locate the failure site. Two non-destructive Scanning Electron Microscopy techniques, CIVA (Charge Induced Voltage Alteration) and EBIC (Electron Beam Induced Current), and a liquid crystal decoration technique which detects localized heating were employed to aid in the analysis. CIVA and EBIC isolated two faults in the input circuitry, and the liquid crystal technique further localized two hot spots in regions on two input gates. Removal of the glassivation and metallization revealed multiple failure sites located in the gate oxide of two input transistors suggesting machine (testing) induced damage.
Document ID
19990008634
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Other
Authors
Nicolas, David P.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Devaney, John
(Hi-Rel Labs., Inc. Spokane, WA United States)
Gores, Mark
(Hi-Rel Labs., Inc. Spokane, WA United States)
Dicken, Howard
(DM Data, Inc. Scottsdale, AZ United States)
Date Acquired
August 19, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1998
Subject Category
Computer Operations And Hardware
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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