Radiation Detector Power Management via Segmented Anode Cathode Readout
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Radiation detectors with multiple channel ASIC readout face high power consumption issues, leading to short battery life in portable applications, and existing power-saving methods like sleep mode reduce sensitivity to radiation sources.
Innovation Solution
A power management technique where a radiation detector maintains all pixellated anode electrodes in a low power mode until the rate of events detected by the planar cathode electrode exceeds a preset threshold, then activates them to reduce the number of active channels and conserve power without missing radiation sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all pixellated anode electrodes are kept in full power mode, then the detector maintains high sensitivity to radiation sources, but power consumption increases to several Watts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the readout electronics into two distinct groups: planar cathode electrode channels that remain continuously active for monitoring, and pixellated anode electrode channels that are dynamically powered on/off. This segmentation allows the system to maintain radiation detection capability through the cathode channels while dramatically reducing power consumption by keeping anode channels in low-power mode until radiation is detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the power state of pixellated anode electrodes changes based on real-time radiation detection needs. The system transitions from a static full-power state to a dynamic state where channels are activated only when the planar cathode detects radiation events exceeding a threshold, optimizing the balance between sensitivity and power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the ASIC is put into low power sleep mode, then power consumption is minimized, but the detector loses sensitivity and may miss radiation sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by maintaining the planar cathode electrode channels in a continuously powered state before any radiation detection event occurs. This preliminary monitoring capability ensures that when radiation is present, the system can immediately detect it and activate the full readout, avoiding the missed detection problem associated with sleep modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The planar cathode electrode channels serve as an intermediary monitoring layer between the environment and the main pixellated anode readout system. These cathode channels operate in a low-power state while still providing radiation detection capability, acting as a trigger mechanism that activates the full system only when needed.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the number of active ASIC channels is reduced, then power consumption decreases, but the ability to correct material non-uniformity and achieve position resolution is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection functions between planar cathode channels and pixellated anode channels. The cathode channels provide continuous monitoring and can detect radiation events, while the anode channels provide detailed position information and material non-uniformity correction when activated. This segmentation allows the system to maintain precision capabilities when needed while operating in a lower-power state during monitoring.
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
Significantly reduces power consumption while maintaining sensitivity to radiation sources, allowing for extended battery life without missing potential radioactive sources during low power monitoring mode.
Implementation Method 1
a multiple channel pixellated detector driven via a plurality of pixellated anode electrodes and at least one planar cathode electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation detector includes at least one multiple channel pixelated detector driven via a plurality of pixelated anode electrodes and at least one planar cathode electrode. Each detector is configured to reduce the number of active pixelated anode electrodes until a rate of events detected via at least one corresponding planar cathode electrode exceeds a preset threshold above a background count rate within a predetermined time period.