Journal of Petroleum Technology, Vol.52, No.7, 56-57, 2000
Reliable electronics for high-temperature downhole applications
Electronics have been viewed as unreliable for high-temperature (HT) applications. Conventional electronics in deeper wells with temperatures greater than 150 degrees C have presented reliability problems for permanent gauges installed during completions, memory gauges, and measurement-while-drilling (MWD) applications. A new set of integrated circuit components that address HT operations has been introduced. A database with more than two million device hours at targeted maximum temperatures has been developed. By use of this database, projections of Lifetime and failure rates can be made for applications that use these integrated circuits.