Computer simulation of photocurrents in p-n junctions using RADSPICE

Computer-aided engineering (CAE) tools such as Spice (Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis) have been successfully used for almost three decades to simulate the electrical performance of electronic devices and circuits. One such simulation program, RADSPICE, has the added feature of being able to simulate a useful range of radiation effects in electronics. This report investigates the simulation techniques used in RADSPICE for modelling photocurrents produced by the interaction of ionizing radiation in p-n junctions. Using photocurrent modelling techniques, a method for creating and simulating a radiation hardened (for space radiation effects) complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) static random access memory (SRAM) is illustrated.