A verified proton induced latch-up in space (CMOS SRAM)

An instrument on the polar ERS-1 satellite failed following a transient high current consumption. The failure was found to have occurred close to the center of the South Atlantic Anomaly. Ground test showed certain memories to be sensitive to proton-induced latchup. The failure was concluded to be due to latchup during exposure to South Atlantic Anomaly protons. The authors believe that this to be the first time a verified proton-induced latchup in space has been reported.< >