Engineering in Extreme Environments

Entry requirements

120 credits in science/engineering, including Signals and Systems and Electronics I/Analogue Electronics. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course the student shall be able to:

• describe the problems that modern technology in general, and electronic components, circuits and systems in particular, face when subjected to extreme environments like radiation, vibrations, temperature variations, and moisture, and critically reflect on how these problems can be countered,
• analyze what negative effects ionizing photon and particle radiation has on semiconductor materials and components,
• analyze what long-term effects extreme environments have on technology, from the component to the system level,
• choose ways of countering radiation damage on semiconductors and electronics,
• characterize different semiconductor components behavior when they are used in extreme environments,
• analyze advantages and disadvantages of using high-temperature compatible materials for semiconductors, passives and substrates,
• give general descriptions of different space environments in our solar system and what dangers they pose to space technology,
• explain the difference between modern and traditional space technology, both with respect to each other and to technology used on the ground.

Content

Impact of extreme environments on modern technology in general and electronics in particular. Here, extreme refers to environments where parameters like radiation, pressure, temperature, chemical corrosivity and electromagnetic interference greatly exceed the limit of what ordinary technology is expected to handle. Examples are taken from space, the deep sea, the Polar Regions and the human body, with emphasis on the former. Introduction to space technology and space weather with a focus on radiation and temperature environments. Impact of ionizing radiation on electronic components. Quality and reliability of space electronics. Methods of counteracting radiation damage.

Instruction

Lectures, lessons, laboratory work and mini-projects.

Assessment

Written examination at the end of the course (3.5 credits) and presentation of laboratory work and mini project (1.5 credits).

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.