The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) and SK hynix (000660.KS) are teaming up to advance semiconductor radiation reliability evaluation technology needed for the era of space exploration and autonomous driving.
KAERI announced on the 29th that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with SK hynix the previous day to expand semiconductor radiation impact assessment and particle beam-based joint research. The agreement marks the first MOU that a domestic nuclear institution has signed with SK hynix.
The two institutions agreed to jointly use the proton and neutron beam time of the Gyeongju proton accelerator and the research reactor HANARO. They will also conduct joint research on high-energy proton, electron, gamma ray and neutron beam technology to simulate actual space and atmospheric radiation environments, as well as semiconductor radiation impact assessment technology.
The collaboration comes as semiconductor applications expand into extreme environments such as space, aviation and autonomous driving. At high altitudes, cosmic radiation can cause semiconductor malfunctions and performance degradation, making radiation tolerance verification an essential step for chips used in mobile platforms such as satellites and automobiles.
The two institutions have already been conducting radiation impact assessments of semiconductor devices using the proton accelerator since 2018. Recently, they have also been pursuing demonstration research that mounts verified semiconductor devices on a domestic component verification satellite (E3T-2), which is scheduled to launch together with the fifth Nuri rocket launch, to confirm their performance and stability in an actual space environment. Building on this, they have broadened the scope of cooperation by jointly using the research reactor HANARO and conducting joint research on semiconductor radiation impact assessment technology using high-energy particle beams.
The agreement is also expected to expand domestic semiconductor radiation testing infrastructure. Until now, domestic companies have relied on overseas research facilities for some high-energy radiation testing, bearing cost burdens and the risk of technology leakage. In response, KAERI is currently conducting preliminary research and development to expand the performance of its 100 MeV proton accelerator to the 200 MeV level. KAERI explained, "This agreement is expected to serve as a foundation for expanding joint research and cooperation using high-energy proton and neutron beams when the proton accelerator's performance is expanded in the future."
Lim In-chul, acting president of KAERI, said, "This agreement will serve as an opportunity to advance semiconductor radiation reliability evaluation technology by combining the research capabilities of a major national research facility with those of a semiconductor company." He added, "We will contribute to strengthening the competitiveness of the semiconductor and space industries by utilizing the proton accelerator and HANARO."
Song Jun-ho, executive vice president of SK hynix, said, "As the environments in which semiconductors are used expand to include space and autonomous driving, securing radiation reliability has become an essential task." He added, "Through this collaboration, we will accelerate the internalization of radiation reliability evaluation technology and strengthen our related technological competitiveness."
