Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

Yes, the electronics, including imaging sensors are all radiation hardened.

This can involve things such as using digital circuits that are radiation resistant (e.g. look up radiation resistant flip flop). Using multiple computers running the same thing that all "vote" for the correct result, so if one computer has an error from radiation you don't suffer. Using semiconductors that are more resistant to radiation (larger band gaps mean more energy required to flip a bit).

Physical shielding is key as well. The infrared imager on the Cassini probe had a case made out of tantalum, as tantalum is a very dense material which prevents a lot of radiation from going through it.



Also, larger feature nodes mean more capacitance, so a lower voltage spike and more area to dissipate the same amount of absorbed energy.




Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: