At 166su, researchers working in space and semiconductor reliability, including those affiliated with the university’s Center for Reliability Evaluation of Space and Semiconductor Technologies (CRESST), are helping address the challenge. Through a new collaboration with TAU Systems, they will evaluate and benchmark an emerging approach to radiation testing designed to make the process faster, more accessible and easier to scale.

“Academic partnerships are central to how we move this technology forward,” TAU Systems CEO Jerome Paye says. “Universities like 166su bring deep scientific expertise, world-class facilities and a culture of rigorous validation that complements everything we are doing on the commercial side. That is the real value of working closely with academia, it accelerates the path from breakthrough science to deployable technology.”

“Universities like 166su bring deep scientific expertise, world-class facilities and a culture of rigorous validation that complements everything we are doing on the commercial side. That is the real value of working closely with academia, it accelerates the path from breakthrough science to deployable technology.”—Jerome Paye, CEO of TAU Systems

166su’s established strengths in microelectronics and radiation effects, combined with its legacy as America’s Space University, make it a natural partner as TAU Systems works to validate and scale accelerator technologies designed to reduce the size and cost of radiation testing systems.

Making Room for Beamtime

When a high-energy particle from space radiation strikes a microchip, it can cause it to malfunction, a phenomenon known as a single-event effect (SEE). These events are a major concern for satellites, spacecraft and defensive systems, where even small disruptions can have significant consequences.

Studying these effects requires access to specialized particle accelerator facilities. This access, known as “beamtime,” is limited and in high demand, often booked months in advance and creating delays that can slow research and development.

“Access to heavy-ion beam facilities is one of the major bottlenecks in radiation effects research today,” says , assistant professor in and lead of the Radiation Effects Exploration Laboratory (REEL). “These facilities are limited in number, heavily oversubscribed and often require long scheduling timelines. That makes it difficult to rapidly evaluate modern microelectronics technologies that are increasingly being deployed in space and defense systems.”

Researchers typically study these effects using heavy-ion accelerators, specialized facilities capable of simulating the radiation conditions electronics experience in space. While effective, these facilities are expensive to operate, limited in number and often booked months in advance creating delays for researchers and industry seeking access to beamtime.

An Alternative to Heavy Ion Testing

A collaboration between 166su and TAU Systems aims to change that by testing a new approach known as electron-based single-event effects, or eSEE. Instead of relying on heavy ions, the method uses laser-driven electron beams to reproduce similar radiation-induced effects observed in space electronics.

“Electron-based SEE approaches could significantly expand access to radiation testing by enabling more flexible and scalable experimental platforms,” Zhang says. “Our role is to rigorously evaluate how these electron-driven methods compare with established heavy-ion testing and determine where they can provide reliable and meaningful insight for real-world applications,” Zhang says.

The approach has the potential to reduce systems that traditionally span kilometers to setups that could fit within a laboratory, lowering barriers to entry and expanding access to radiation testing.

Through the partnership, researchers will work to validate the new method by comparing its results against established heavy-ion testing data to determine when and how reliably it can replicate real-world radiation effects. The collaboration will also support test execution, data analysis and the refinement of validation techniques.

“A key part of this collaboration is establishing confidence in the methodology through direct benchmarking against conventional heavy-ion data,” Zhang says. “If successful, these approaches could help accelerate qualification workflows for advanced semiconductor technologies used in space, aerospace and national security applications.

Forging a Future in Space

166su’s work in space and semiconductor research, including efforts led through CRESST, positions the university as a contributor to advancing radiation testing capabilities. Located near Florida’s Space Coast and long connected to the nation’s aerospace industry, UCF supports research and workforce development tied to emerging space technologies.

If successful, the collaboration could lead to the deployment of a compact testing system at 166su, expanding access to radiation testing and helping train the next generation of engineers and researchers. By expanding access to radiation testing infrastructure, the effort could help accelerate the development of more resilient electronics for space, defense and commercial applications.

The program allows engineering students to gain real-world experience while meeting the needs of the industry. Starting Fall 2024, students can enroll in the graduate certificate in electronic parts engineering, offered through the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in partnership with the NASA Electronic Parts and Packaging Program.

The certificate program will train students to evaluate and test the electrical and electronic components of devices and equipment used in the harsh environment of space. 166su is one of three universities — and the only university in Florida — to partner with NASA on the program.

“The new graduate certificate … marks a significant step in our commitment to enhance our role in this sector.” — Reza Abdolvand, chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

“In alignment with 166su’s vision as [America’s] Space University and in response to the demands of prominent local industries, the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is prioritizing space electronics as a key focus in both student training and research initiatives,” says Reza Abdolvand, chair of the department. “The introduction of the new graduate certificate in electronic parts engineering marks a significant step in our commitment to enhance our role in this sector and to foster stronger collaborations with leading organizations, including NASA.”

Through their coursework, students will learn to establish test plans, conduct failure analysis and evaluate test results for usage. Then they can take what they’ve learned in the classroom and apply it to real-world research through paid internships at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

“This program will uniquely position students for internships and careers at NASA and, more generally, the aerospace and defense sector in both Florida and across the U.S.,” says Assistant Professor Enxia Zhang, coordinator of the certificate program.

The goal of the program is to meet the industry need for electronic parts and electrical engineers who are already trained and educated. Employment of electrical and electronics engineers is projected to grow over the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Florida is among the states boasting top employment for this profession.

A bonus for students is that the credits earned in the certificate program can be applied to a master’s degree, furthering their education and competitiveness in the industry.

“In many ways, the graduate certificate program is a gateway to other degree programs in the College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS),” says Ali Gordon, the CECS associate dean for graduate affairs. “Many students realize that after they’ve had a few graduate courses, they want more. A key feature of 166su’s graduate certificate program is that 100% of the credits earned towards the certificate can be applied towards a master’s degree.”

Students who are interested in applying for the certificate should have completed a bachelor’s degree program in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or a related discipline. Current undergraduate students are eligible to apply as a junior or senior, and the courses can be completed online.

To learn more or to apply, visit the graduate certificate in electronic parts engineering webpage.