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Feature Size and Critical Charge

As devices become smaller and faster, they store less charge on circuit nodes, and the energy needed to change the state of a node becomes smaller. Petersen [1996] has noted that critical charge (Qc) and feature size (t) appear to follow a roughly quadratic relationship given by:

Qc = 0.023 t2

where Qc is expressed in pC and t in microns. Moreover, this relationship appears to be roughly independent of device technology.

For further information, see

  • E.L. Petersen, "Single Event Analysis and Prediction", NSREC Short Course, July 1997.
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