Discrete Voltage Reference for Radiation Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiation-hardened integrated reference voltage sources are significantly more expensive than their non-radiation hardened counterparts, necessitating a cost-effective solution for achieving high precision and radiation tolerance in power converters.
Innovation Solution
A discrete voltage reference source utilizing discrete bipolar junction transistors, resistors, and a Zener diode, which provides radiation tolerance up to 300 krad(Si) with less than 1% change in voltage, using a circuit configuration that includes specific resistor and transistor connections to achieve the desired voltage levels and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a radiation hardened integrated reference voltage source is used, then radiation tolerance is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the reference voltage source into separate discrete components (resistors, transistors, Zener diode) rather than using a single integrated radiation-hardened component. This segmentation allows each component to be selected and configured independently to achieve the desired radiation tolerance while using lower-cost discrete parts instead of expensive integrated solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a functional copy of the integrated reference voltage source using discrete components that replicate the same electrical behavior and radiation tolerance characteristics. By copying the functionality rather than using the original integrated design, the system achieves equivalent performance at lower cost.
2Ease of manufacture
If a non-radiation hardened reference voltage source is used, then cost is reduced, but radiation tolerance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters and configuration of discrete components (resistor values, transistor biasing, Zener diode selection) to achieve radiation tolerance equivalent to integrated solutions. By adjusting these parameters, the discrete circuit maintains stability and precision under radiation exposure while keeping costs low.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite circuit architecture combining multiple discrete components (resistors, transistors, Zener diode) that work together to provide radiation tolerance. This composite approach achieves the reliability of radiation-hardened materials without using the expensive radiation-hardened integrated components themselves.
3Ease of manufacture
If discrete components are used instead of integrated circuit, then cost is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete components into a unified circuit configuration that functions as a single reference voltage source. By combining the Zener diode, transistors, and resistors in a specific architecture, the design achieves integrated-circuit-like functionality while using discrete components, thereby reducing cost without excessive complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The discrete component circuit is designed to perform multiple functions (voltage regulation, reference generation, radiation hardening) that would typically require separate components or an integrated circuit. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity despite using discrete parts, as the same components serve multiple purposes.
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 solution offers improved radiation hardness and cost-effectiveness, achieving performance comparable to conventional integrated reference circuits while reducing component costs to about 10% of the conventional radiation tolerant integrated reference circuit, with minimal component count and design flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a Zener diode including a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the first terminal of the Zener diode is electrically coupled to the input terminal
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation tolerant discrete reference voltage source includes just two bipolar junction transistors, five resistors, and a Zener diode. Two of the resistors form a voltage divider that outputs a reference voltage. Values of the resistors included in the voltage divider can be selected to output a desired reference voltage level, for example, 5.00V, 4.00V, or 2.50V, which obviates a need to procure unique voltage references for those reference voltage levels and provides design flexibility. The radiation tolerant discrete reference voltage source provides improved control over radiation hardness and does not require high gain transistors. Because relatively few, inexpensive components are used, the radiation tolerant discrete reference voltage source can be produced at a low cost.