Effect of Cosmic Rays on Computer Memories

• DOI: 10.1126/science.206.4420.776
• Publication Date: 2006-10-05T16:39:42Z
• Authors: J. F. Ziegler; W. A. Lanford
• Keywords: PAMELA detector

A method is developed for evaluating the effects of cosmic rays on computer memories and applied to some typical memory devices. The sea-level flux cosmic-ray particles reviewed interaction each type particle with silicon estimated, emphasis processes that produce bursts charge. These charge pulses are then related large-scale integrated circuit components cosmic-ray-induced errors estimated. shielding (such as building ceilings walls), altitude, solar cycle Cosmic-ray nucleons muons can cause in current at a level marginal significance, there may be very significant effect next generation circuitry. Error rates increase rapidly which used testing make electronic devices less sensitive rays.