Overcurrent Power Control Circuit Reset for Spacecraft Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-reliability systems like spacecraft electronics, non-radiation hardened semiconductor devices are susceptible to single event effects such as excessive current draw due to high temperature or radiation, leading to potential system failures.
Innovation Solution
A circuit with a current monitor and control circuit is implemented to detect overcurrent events, cutting off power to the susceptible sub-circuit and sending a reset signal to prevent excessive current draw, using radiation-hardened components to mitigate these effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If non-radiation hardened semiconductor devices are used in spacecraft electronics, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but the system becomes susceptible to single event effects causing excessive current draw and potential system failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the spacecraft electronics into multiple independent power domains, each with its own current monitor and control circuit. This segmentation allows isolated protection of susceptible sub-circuits without affecting the entire system, enabling use of non-radiation hardened components while maintaining overall system reliability through localized fault containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary protection circuits including current monitors, control logic, and reset circuits that act as mediators between the power supply and susceptible loads. These intermediaries detect overcurrent conditions and activate reset signals to clear single event effects, protecting non-radiation hardened devices without requiring radiation-hardened alternatives.
2Reliability
If radiation-hardened components are used to prevent single event effects, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service protection where each susceptible sub-circuit has its own dedicated current monitor and control circuit that automatically detects overcurrent conditions and activates reset signals without external intervention. This self-service approach provides radiation effect protection through functional redundancy rather than requiring radiation-hardened components, avoiding the complexity and cost penalties of hardened devices.
3Reliability
If overcurrent protection is implemented by cutting off power to the entire power rail, then system reliability is improved, but productivity and functionality are reduced as all sub-circuits are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power distribution into multiple independent power domains, each with its own current monitor and control circuit. This allows overcurrent protection to be applied locally to only the affected sub-circuit rather than shutting down the entire power rail, maintaining functionality and productivity of unaffected portions of the system while protecting against single event effects.
4Reliability
If reset signals are sent to all sub-circuits during an overcurrent event, then system reliability is improved, but loss of time occurs due to unnecessary resets of functioning circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control architecture so that reset signals are generated and sent only to the specific sub-circuit experiencing the overcurrent condition, rather than broadcasting resets to all sub-circuits. This targeted approach eliminates unnecessary resets of functioning circuits, reducing time loss while maintaining system reliability through precise fault isolation and response.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a circuit is provided. The circuit includes a load configured to receive power through a power path. The circuit also includes a current monitor configured to sense a current draw on the power path. A switch on the power path is coupled in series between the load and a power rail, and a control circuit is coupled to the current monitor. The control circuit is configured to set the switch to a non-conducting state and to send a reset signal to the load if the current monitor senses an overcurrent on the power path.