Transient 3D Simulation of Single Event Latchup in Deep Submicron CMOS-SRAMs

Using transient 3D simulations we investigated single event latchups in SRAMs caused by cosmic radiation. The device structure considered comprises n-well, p-substrate, and source regions of NMOS and PMOS transistors fabricated by means of an industrial 65nm technology. In particular, we analyzed the charge deposition and subsequent current flow initiated by impinging ions for varying impact energy, device temperature, supply voltage and location of the ion impact in order to reveal the details of the failure and eventual destruction mechanisms.