R/sup 2/SPG-a new technique for measuring upset susceptibility thresholds of large systems

Abstract

An in-situ system-level upset test technique has been developed that uses a random repetitive square wave pulse generator (R/sup 2/SPG) as a broadband simulator. In the proposed technique current is inductively coupled to cables or cable bundles and is easily controllable from amplitudes of 10 mA to 16 A peak-to-peak. The waveform is a broadband transient that approximates a damped square wave with a ringing frequency that is related to the resonant frequency of the cable to which it is connected and the length of the charge line and connecting cables. The pulses are generated with a random interval between pulses. The average repetition rate can be as high as 30 Hz. The pulse generator is described, typical waveforms are presented, and it is shown how the generator can be used to determine the upset threshold of a digital system by presenting results for a personal computer.<>