Computer Architecture Mitigating Radiation Faults

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Solution Overview

Problem

Advanced semiconductor hardware in aviation and space applications is susceptible to radiation-induced errors, particularly at high altitudes, leading to single event upsets that affect data calculations and require effective mitigation strategies.

Innovation Solution

A computer architecture comprising a command circuit, a monitor circuit, and a master circuit that analyzes real-time signals, generates command and replica signals, and upon detecting a threshold number of errors, generates a disable signal to cease operation, thereby mitigating radiation effects without the need for heavy radiation-blocking materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional radiation shielding materials are used to protect semiconductor hardware from radiation, then reliability is improved, but weight increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation protectionVSAvoidshielding material weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical radiation shielding (mechanical/material approach) with an electronic monitoring and control system. The master circuit monitors error rates from command and monitor circuits, and automatically disables circuits when error thresholds are exceeded, eliminating the need for heavy physical shielding materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-diagnosis and self-protection functionality where the monitor circuit continuously checks for radiation-induced errors in the command circuit, and the master circuit autonomously disables affected circuits without external intervention, allowing the system to protect itself from radiation effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If smaller semiconductors with faster switching rates are used to advance technology, then productivity is improved, but susceptibility to radiation effects increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching rateVSAvoidradiation susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the monitor circuit continuously compares output from the command circuit to detect single event upsets caused by radiation. When errors are detected, the system provides feedback to the master circuit to disable the affected circuit, allowing high-speed semiconductors to operate reliably in radiation environments through active error monitoring and correction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10423504B2Computer architecture for mitigating transistor faults due to radiation

Publication Date: 2019.09.24 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A transmitting computer for a vehicle is disclosed, and includes a command circuit, a monitor circuit, and a master circuit. The command circuit receives a real-time signal and executes a first set of instructions to analyze the real-time signal, and generates a plurality of command signals based on executing the first set of instructions. The monitor circuit receives the command signals and the real-time signal. The monitor circuit executes a second set of instructions to analyze the real-time signal and generates a plurality of replica signals based on executing the second set of instructions. The monitor circuit generates an initial reset command in response to determining an initial miscompare between one of the plurality of command signals and the plurality of replica signals. The master circuit is in communication with both the command circuit and the monitor circuit and receives an indication that the initial reset command is generated.