Dual Processor SBC Radiation Isolation via Bus Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single board computers fail when exposed to high levels of radiation, posing a risk to missions in radiation-exposed environments.
Innovation Solution
A dual processor single board computer configuration featuring a radiation-hardened management processor and an application co-processor, with bus switches that can isolate components from power and ground during radiation events, allowing for reboot and update of applications once the event has passed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional single board computers are used in radiation-exposed environments, then the system is simpler and cheaper, but the system fails when exposed to high levels of radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate processors: a radiation-hardened management processor that remains operational during radiation events, and a non-radiation-hardened application co-processor that can be isolated and rebooted. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the management processor maintaining system reliability during radiation exposure while the application processor can be independently managed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic bus switches that can change connectivity states based on radiation conditions. During normal operation, the application co-processor is connected to the bus for full functionality. During radiation events, the switches isolate the application co-processor while maintaining management processor operation, enabling adaptive response to radiation conditions.
2Reliability
If the application co-processor is isolated during radiation events, then radiation damage is prevented, but application processing is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system saves configuration files and critical data to memory before isolation occurs. When the radiation event passes and the application co-processor is reconnected, the system can quickly restore operations using the saved configuration, minimizing processing interruption time.
Solution Approach 2:
The management processor continues to execute critical management functions and monitor radiation levels continuously during the isolation event. This ensures that when the application co-processor is reconnected, the system can quickly resume full operation without complete processing downtime.
3Reliability
If bus switches are used to isolate components, then radiation protection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bus switches serve multiple functions: they isolate the application co-processor from radiation damage, enable selective reconnection after radiation events, and facilitate configuration file loading. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The bus switches act as intermediaries between the management processor and application co-processor, controlling the flow of signals and power based on radiation conditions. This intermediary component simplifies the overall control architecture by centralizing the isolation and reconnection logic.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for dual processor single board computers are provided. For example, a dual processor single board computer may include a management processor with associated memory, an application co-processor with associated memory, and a plurality of bus switches. The dual processor single board computer may be used in devices that may be exposed to radiation, such as satellites. During a radiation event, the management processor may continue operation and isolate the application co-processor and certain memories to cease operation to increase the amount of radiation safely received before damage. After the radiation event, the management processor may reboot the application co-processor, and update applications to allow a device to continue its mission.