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 can arise when modern technology, especially electronics, is exposed to extreme environments such as radiation, vibrations, temperature variations and moisture,
• analyze the long-term impact of extreme environments on technology, from component to 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 and the challenges they pose for the wide variation in technology that is exposed to them.

Content

Impact of extreme environments on technology in general and electronics in particular. Here, extreme refers to environments where, for instance, radiation, pressure, temperature, chemical corrosivity, and/or electromagnetic interference greatly exceed the limit of what ordinary technology, mostly consumer-oriented, 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 detecting and counteracting radiation damage.

Instruction

Lectures, lessons, laboratory work, and seminar.

Assessment

Written examination at the end of the course (3.5 credits) and presentation of laboratory work and seminar assignment (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.