Deep-Space Radiation Sensor With SEU Correction and SEL Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation sensors are unable to withstand high-intensity radiation, high-energy particles, extreme temperatures, and severe vibrations in deep space environments, leading to performance degradation and potential failure due to Single Event Effects (SEEs) such as Single Event Upsets (SEUs) and Single Event Latch-ups (SELs).
Innovation Solution
A radiation sensor comprising a circuit board with a payload control module, a radiation sensitive field-effect transistor readout module, and a flash memory integrated circuit, equipped with detection software to detect and reset SEUs, and electronic fuses to recover from SELs, while being thermally and mechanically protected by a chassis and insulation, allowing accurate radiation dose measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional radiation sensors are deployed in deep space environments, then they can perform radiation detection, but they suffer from performance degradation and potential failure due to high-intensity radiation, high-energy particles, extreme temperatures, and severe vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements error detection and correction codes, triple modular redundancy (TMR), and watchdog timers before radiation events occur. These protective measures are built into the sensor architecture in advance to detect and correct single event upsets (SEUs) and prevent single event latchups (SELs), cushioning the sensor against radiation damage before it can degrade performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs radiation-hardened electronics with modified operational parameters, including adjusted voltage thresholds, modified clock frequencies, and altered signal processing parameters that are optimized for radiation environments. These parameter changes enable the sensor to maintain reliable operation despite exposure to high-intensity radiation and extreme temperatures
2Measurement precision
If sensors operate in deep space environments without protection, then they can detect radiation, but ionizing radiation causes single event effects (SEEs) such as single event upsets (SEUs) and single event latch-ups (SELs) that disable the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback mechanisms including watchdog timers that monitor sensor operation and error detection codes that continuously check data integrity. When SEUs are detected through these feedback systems, the sensor automatically triggers correction protocols to restore accurate radiation dose measurement functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor incorporates self-diagnostic capabilities and automatic error correction through built-in redundancy systems. When radiation causes SEUs or SELs, the sensor's internal TMR systems and error correction codes automatically detect and correct the errors without external intervention, maintaining measurement precision and functionality
3Duration of action of moving object
If radiation sensors are exposed to prolonged deep space radiation environments, then they can accumulate radiation data, but the sensitive materials and components severely degrade in optical, electrical, and mechanical properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material structures for the sensor housing and components that combine radiation-resistant materials with mechanically strong materials. These composite structures provide both the durability needed for prolonged mission duration and the radiation resistance to prevent material degradation from cumulative radiation exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor incorporates protective coatings and shielding materials applied beforehand to prevent material degradation. These protective layers are designed to absorb and dissipate radiation energy before it can damage the underlying sensitive materials, enabling prolonged operation in deep space environments
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The sensor effectively detects and corrects SEUs, recovers from SELs, and maintains accurate radiation dose measurement in extreme conditions, preventing system failures and ensuring reliable data in deep space environments.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation sensitive field-effect transistor readout module disposed on the circuit board and electrically connected to the payload control module
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides a radiation sensor for deep space environments, comprising a circuit board; a payload control module, disposed on the circuit board; a radiation sensitive field-effect transistor readout module, also disposed on the circuit board and electrically connected to the payload control module; flash memory, disposed on the circuit board and electrically connected to both the payload control module and the radiation sensitive field-effect transistor readout module. The flash memory includes a detection software, which, upon detecting a single event upset in at least one bit of the stored sensor data, immediately identifies and records the position of the affected bit. The detection software then resets the data affected by the single event upset and records the number of bit errors.