Logic Circuit Duplication for Fast Radiation-Hardened Outputs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for protecting integrated circuits against external radiation, such as 'C elements', offer high reliability but at the cost of slow response time and high power consumption, which is not suitable for sectors requiring faster response and more optimal criteria regarding speed, surface occupancy, and power.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the duplication of electronic circuits and linking their outputs to homologous inputs of functionally identical combinatorial or sequential elements, with the homologous outputs connected together, to create a temporary short-circuit in case of disturbance, thereby improving response speed and power efficiency while maintaining protection against external radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If C elements are used to protect against radiation, then reliability is improved, but response time deteriorates and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit is segmented into multiple independent functional blocks (first block, second block, third block) that can be selectively activated. Instead of using a single complex C element, the protection function is divided across multiple simpler blocks with different radiation protection characteristics, allowing selection of appropriate blocks based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit dynamically selects between different protection modes by activating specific blocks based on operational context. The control logic enables switching between high-protection mode (using C element-like behavior) and high-speed mode (using simpler logic blocks), making the system adaptable to different radiation environments and performance requirements.
2Reliability
If C elements are used to protect against radiation, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power consumption issue is addressed by segmenting the circuit into blocks with different power characteristics. The third logic block and other simplified blocks consume less power than traditional C elements, while still providing radiation protection when activated. The control logic selects low-power blocks when high radiation protection is not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit changes operational parameters (which blocks are active) based on radiation conditions and power requirements. By adjusting the activation state of different blocks, the system can operate in low-power mode during normal conditions and switch to high-protection mode when radiation threats are detected, optimizing the balance between reliability and power consumption.
3Reliability
If circuit duplication is performed for radiation protection, then reliability is improved, but surface occupancy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The logic blocks serve multiple functions: they perform the primary logic operation and simultaneously provide radiation protection when activated in combination with other blocks. The third logic block and combinatorial logic elements can function both as signal processing units and as radiation protection mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate dedicated protection circuits that would increase surface occupancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection function is merged with the functional logic blocks rather than being implemented as separate duplication circuits. By combining the protection logic within the existing functional blocks and using shared combinatorial logic elements, the circuit achieves radiation protection without the surface area penalty of complete circuit duplication.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for protecting an electronic circuit having at least one output against external radiation includes functionally duplicating the electronic circuit and linking the outputs of the electronic circuit and the duplicated electronic circuit to homologous inputs of at least functionally equivalent combinatorial or sequential elements. The homologous outputs of all the combinatorial or sequential elements are linked together. The electronic circuit can be duplicated multiple times.