It might seem odd to discuss reliability in a blog that\nfocuses on nanotechnology and its implementation. However, if one considers that we are using\ncarbon nanotubes (CNTs) in many different products to increase strength and\nreduce weight along with the semiconductor circuitry that has nano-scale\ncomponents, then it might not be too unusual to consider reliability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Over the last twenty years, there has been a lot of controversy\nabout CNTs. The shape of the CNTs is\nlike a short, straight stick, albeit at the nano dimensions. The appearance of the CNTs resembles five of\nthe six types of asbestos particles. \nConsequently, this similarity raised concern and a number of studies\nwere undertaken. Results came out on\nboth sides of the issue. Some results\nshowed potential danger and other results indicated with precautions, the CNTs\nare safe. (We have covered Nano-Safety a\nfew times, so we will not add more here.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Composite materials employing CNTs for strengthening work\nwell and when the composite is damaged, the release of any of the CNTs appears\nto be minimal. Overall, the application\nof the CNTs provides significant benefit for long term usage of items\ncontaining the CNT embedded composite. The\nusage of CNTs in products has only been a few decades. This is not long enough to evaluate the long\nterm effects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many attempts have been made to develop carbon-based\nmaterials for electronics. Graphene has\nbeen covered in detail within this blog. \nThe application of both nanotube and various two-dimensional electronic\nmaterials appears to have had moderate success. \nThe question is how to mass produce items\/devices in the billions as are\nbeing done with semiconductors. This is\na challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Semiconductors are coming into the nano-scale regime even if\nit is not through new electronic circuit components. The line width of circuit features is well\nbelow 50nm. The experimental efforts\ntoday are at 5nm and below. The circuit\ndesigners, material scientists, and semiconductor fabricators are aware of the\npotential current changes due to leakage of electrons through materials that\nare barriers to this movement at larger dimensions. New materials are being developed and\nevaluated. Circuitry mis-performance is\nalways a concern. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The challenges of electronic circuits are what happens when\nthe device ages. Historically, although semiconductors\nare relatively new, the consumer applications that employ the sophisticated\nelectronics were limited to a narrow range of temperatures. These devices are increasingly being employed\nin automotive, industrial, and medical applications. Consequently, reliability\nhas become much more important. The aging of devices is becoming a more\ncritical element of the design structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The car or truck that we own has become among the most\nelectronically controlled device that we have. The temperature extremes that a\nvehicle can be subjected to, especially under the hood, can range from -40 F or\nlower to well above 150 F. An example given is that an automobile that is\npurchased and driven in Arizona, for example, is subject to significantly\ndifferent conditions from an automobile that is used in Alaska. There is also a\ndifference in the usage of the electronics. And automobile that is used for\nwork or pleasure will have a limited number of trips during the course of the\nday or week. A vehicle like a taxi or delivery truck will be under constant\nusage and subjected to a lot more stress. [Ref. 1] these become part of the new challenges for\ndevices as he electronics becomes more integral into everyday life. The medical\nfield also has similar issues regarding reliability of equipment that is used\nfor performing medical exams or procedures. When a life-sustaining device is\nemployed, the reliability of the operation of that device is critical. Failure is not an option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The point of this particular blog is to raise awareness of\nthe fact that the reliability of electronics needs to increase. There is work\nthat is being done that will improve the situation. But, what do we do to build\na device which can last and perform its intended function for 100 years, or 1,000\nyears!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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