A safety protection method and circuit for preventing ion current backstreaming in an ion electric thruster

CN122293067APending Publication Date: 2026-06-26BEIJING INST OF CONTROL ENG
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
BEIJING INST OF CONTROL ENG
Filing Date
2026-02-26
Publication Date
2026-06-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the prior art, the instantaneous short circuit between the acceleration gate and the thruster housing in the ion thruster causes electron backflow, resulting in permanent failure of the ion thruster, which cannot be effectively avoided.

Method used

Design a safety protection method and circuit to prevent electron backflow in an ion electric thruster. By detecting the output current of the acceleration power module, determine whether an overcurrent phenomenon has occurred, and generate a synchronous shutdown signal when an overcurrent is detected, controlling the voltage output terminals of the grid power module and the acceleration power module to be shut down synchronously to avoid electron backflow.

Benefits of technology

This technology enables the timely shutdown of the high-voltage output of the screen grid after a short-circuit fault occurs in the ion thruster, preventing electron backflow, ensuring the safety and reliability of the ion thruster, and preventing permanent failure.

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Abstract

This invention relates to a safety protection method and circuit for preventing electron backflow in an ion electric thruster, applicable to spacecraft ion electric propulsion systems. The ion electric thruster's grid gate is connected to the positive output terminal of the grid power module, the acceleration grid gate is connected to the negative output terminal of the acceleration power module, and the common ground is connected to the common power ground of both the grid power module and the acceleration power module. The safety protection method involves detecting the output current of the acceleration power module to determine if an overcurrent has occurred. If an overcurrent has occurred, a synchronous shutdown signal is generated and transmitted to the PWM controllers of 1 to N grid power modules and acceleration power modules. Upon receiving the synchronous shutdown signal, the PWM controllers of the 1 to N grid power modules and acceleration power modules synchronously shut down their voltage output terminals, thereby achieving synchronous 0V voltage signal output from the positive high-voltage output terminals of the 1 to N grid power modules and the negative high-voltage output terminal of the acceleration power module, preventing electron backflow caused by any grid module failing to shut down its high-voltage output.
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