Extreme Temperature Performance of Automotive-Grade Small Signal Bipolar Junction TransistorsElectronics designed for space exploration missions must display efficient and reliable operation under extreme temperature conditions. For example, lunar outposts, Mars rovers and landers, James Webb Space Telescope, Europa orbiter, and deep space probes represent examples of missions where extreme temperatures and thermal cycling are encountered. Switching transistors, small signal as well as power level devices, are widely used in electronic controllers, data instrumentation, and power management and distribution systems. Little is known, however, about their performance in extreme temperature environments beyond their specified operating range; in particular under cryogenic conditions. This report summarizes preliminary results obtained on the evaluation of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) automotive-grade NPN small signal transistors over a wide temperature range and thermal cycling. The investigations were carried out to establish a baseline on functionality of these transistors and to determine suitability for use outside their recommended temperature limits.
Document ID
20180000690
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Other
Authors
Boomer, Kristen (NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Damron, Benny (Jacobs Engineering and Science Services and Skills Augmentation Group (ESSSA) Huntsville, AL, United States)
Gray, Josh (Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, IN, United States)
Hammoud, Ahmad (Vantage Partners, LLC Cleveland, OH, United States)