Difference Between Rer And Ser

In the field of electronics and communication, RER and SER are two terms that are often used interchangeably. However, these two terms refer to different concepts and should not be confused with one another. In this article, we will explore the difference between RER and SER and their respective implications.

Rapid Error Rate (RER) is a measure of the rate at which a device generates errors when subjected to a particular set of testing conditions. The RER is typically measured in errors per hour, and it provides an indication of the device's ability to perform under stress. The RER is calculated by subjecting the device to a series of tests that simulate real-world usage scenarios. These tests may involve exposing the device to extreme temperatures, humidity, vibration or other environmental factors.

In contrast, Single Event Upsets (SEUs) are a type of Soft Error Rate (SER) that occur when a high-energy particle strikes a sensitive node in a device. The particle can cause an alteration in the state of one or more bits in a memory cell, leading to incorrect data being stored or processed. SER refers to the rate at which these errors occur, expressed as a fraction of the total number of memory cells or logic gates in the device.

In other words, RER provides an indication of the overall resilience of a device to environmental stress, whereas SER is a measure of the susceptibility of a device to errors caused by cosmic particles.

RER is an important parameter for determining the reliability of electronic devices. For example, in the automotive industry, RER testing is used to ensure that electronic components can withstand the harsh conditions in a vehicle, such as extreme temperatures and vibrations. Similarly, RER testing is used to evaluate the reliability of electronic components used in aircraft, where failure can have catastrophic consequences.

SER, on the other hand, is a significant concern in the space industry, where electronic devices are exposed to cosmic radiation that is much higher than on Earth. The Earth's magnetic field helps protect against cosmic radiation, whereas in space, there is no such protection. Therefore, space missions require electronic devices that are highly resistant to SEUs.

One major challenge in addressing SER is that these errors are difficult to predict and can occur sporadically. Because cosmic particles that cause SEUs are rare, many electronic devices can function normally for years before a cosmic particle causes an error. Therefore, testing for SER involves exposing devices to high-energy particles in a controlled environment and monitoring for errors.

Despite the fundamental differences between RER and SER, they are related in some ways. For example, exposure to environmental stress can increase a device's susceptibility to SEUs. In other words, electronic devices that are more resilient to environmental stress may also be less susceptible to SEUs.

Similarly, the mechanisms that cause SEUs can also cause other types of errors, such as latchup or gate rupture. Latchup occurs when a high-energy particle strikes a silicon device, causing a parasitic SCR (Silicon-Controlled Rectifier) to latch up and cause a short circuit. Gate rupture occurs when a particle strikes a transistor gate oxide, causing a hole in the oxide that can lead to device failure. Therefore, it is essential to understand the relationship between different error modes and their causes to develop effective methods for reducing SER and improving device reliability.

In conclusion, RER and SER are two distinct concepts that are important for understanding the reliability of electronic devices. While RER measures a device's overall resilience to environmental stress, SER measures its susceptibility to SEUs caused by high-energy particles. Both RER and SER are crucial for ensuring that electronic devices operate safely and effectively in their target environments. As technology advances, reducing SER will become increasingly important, particularly for devices used in space and other high-radiation environments.