Reliability

In TDDB lifetime evaluation, why are tests run at voltages higher than the actual operating voltage?

  1. ATo accelerate failures and estimate lifetime in a short time
  2. BTo confirm that no failures occur at operating voltage
  3. CTo avoid damaging the test equipment
Show answer and explanation

Answer: A. To accelerate failures and estimate lifetime in a short time

At actual operating voltage, TDDB failures take years to occur. Applying higher voltage (and temperature) makes failures occur sooner, and the results are combined with a voltage-dependence model to estimate lifetime under actual use conditions. Choosing an appropriate acceleration model is important.

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