Testing RRAM and Computation-in-Memory Devices: Defects, Fault Models, and Test Solutions

Resistive random access memory (RRAM) is a promising emerging memory technology that offers dense, non-volatile memories that do not consume any static power. Furthermore, RRAMdevices can be written and read out in nanoseconds, and it is possible to use them to performcomputation-in-memory (CIM). These benefits make this technology a potential...

Reliability assessment of existing reinforced concrete bridges and viaducts through proof load testing

In the assessment of existing infrastructure performing only a desk study is often not sufficient to determine the structural reliability of a bridge or viaduct. For concrete structures gathering field data by performing a proof load test offers detailed information about the structural performance. However, the relation between the magnitude...

The Architecture of CubeSats and PocketQubes: Towards a Lean and Reliable Implementation of Subsystems and Their Interfaces

This thesis provides an innovative architecture for CubeSats and PocketQubes to improve their performance and reliability. CubeSats and PocketQubes are standard satellite form factors composed of one or more cubic units of 10 cm and 5 cm respectively. It is found that the current modular subsystem approach and the electrical interfaces are not...

Design and Fabrication of a Multi-Functional Programmable Thermal Test Chip

This paper focuses on the design and fabrication of a new programmable thermal test chip as a flexible and cost-effective solution for simplification of characterization/prototyping of new packages. The cell-based design format makes the chip fit into any modular array configuration. One unit cell is as small as 4x4 mm2, including 6 individually...

A Survey of Test and Reliability Solutions for Magnetic Random Access Memories

Memories occupy most of the silicon area in nowadays' system-on-chips and contribute to a significant part of system power consumption. Though widely used, nonvolatile Flash memories still suffer from several drawbacks. Magnetic random access memories (MRAMs) have the potential to mitigate most of the Flash shortcomings. Moreover, it is...

Degradation of CIGS solar cells

Thin film CIGS solar cells and individual layers within these solar cells have been tested in order to assess their long term stability. Alongside with the execution of standard tests, in which elevated temperatures and humidity levels are used, the solar cells have also been exposed to a combination of elevated temperature and humidity and...

Testability and Fault Tolerance for Emerging Nanoelectronic Memories

Emerging nanoelectronic memories such as Resistive Random Access Memories (RRAMs) are possible candidates to replace the conventional memory technologies such as SRAMs, DRAMs and flash memories in future computer systems. Despite their advantages such as enormous storage capacity, low-power per unit device and reduced manufacturing difficulties,...

Reliability of nondestructive inspection

This report describes the concept of reliability of nondestructive inspection (NDI) and reviews the different aspects involved. First, the probability of detection (POD) of flaws in flawed specimens is discussed. To provide a measure of confidence in an estimated POD, lower botind values of this probability at a given confidence level are...

Verification and validation of IRAS on-board software

The infrared Astronomical Satellite IRAS is equipped with an on-board computer system that takes care of vital satellite functions as attitude control, ground dialogue and execution of the observation programs. Therefore an important purpose of the IRAS system tests was the Verification and Validation of the on-board software. The test...

Reliability aspects of software for digital avionics

Modern commercial transport aircraft contain digital avionics systems for more and more safety critical functions. The reliability and safety of those new systems depend on the hardware reliability and on the reliability of the embedded software. In this report, an overview is given of available methods and techniques to develop reliable...

Evaluation of non-destructive inspection methods applied to milled step-down areas

The present report describes how fatigue cracks were produced in 102 specimens. After cracking these specimens were inspected non-destructively by means of eddy currents, ultrasonics. X-rays and penetrants, and the indications were recorded. Successively the specimens were exposed to corrosion whereafter the inspections were repeated. Upon...