Radiation Detection Circuit With Ground Switching for Space Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spatial systems face challenges in effectively protecting electronic components from singular events caused by spatial radiations, such as protons and heavy ions, which can lead to damage or destruction due to the sensitivity of components and the limitations of current protective measures, including the need for component exposure testing that compromises heat dissipation and reliability.
Innovation Solution
An electronic spatial system with a signal processing unit and protective switches, including a Darlington pair, that detects spatial radiation thresholds and rapidly switches electrical components to ground to prevent damage, allowing for efficient protection without compromising the component's integrity or heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electronic components are exposed to heavy ion sources for testing, then sensitivity to spatial radiations can be confirmed, but the component case must be opened or chip thinned which compromises heat dissipation and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a companion circuit as an intermediary element that monitors radiation effects on the sensitive circuit without requiring direct physical modification of the sensitive component. The companion circuit acts as a mediator that detects radiation-induced changes and triggers protective actions, allowing testing to proceed while maintaining the original component structure and heat dissipation characteristics.
2Productivity
If transistor dimensions are reduced to improve integration, then electronic system density increases, but sensitivity to spatial radiation disturbances increases leading to more singular events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary protective actions by integrating a companion circuit that continuously monitors the sensitive circuit for radiation-induced anomalies. The companion circuit is pre-configured with threshold detectors and protective switches that automatically activate before catastrophic failures occur, allowing the system to withstand radiation events that would otherwise damage densely integrated transistors.
3Reliability
If companion circuit is added to monitor sensitive integrated circuit, then protection capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the protection function into distinct modular components: a companion circuit separate from the sensitive circuit, threshold detectors for different radiation effects, and individual protective switches for various circuit nodes. This segmentation allows the protection mechanism to be added without fundamentally redesigning the entire system, maintaining相对较低的 complexity while achieving comprehensive protection.
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 system effectively protects electronic components from singular events by rapidly switching to ground upon radiation detection, enhancing the reliability and service life of spatial systems while maintaining operational integrity and heat dissipation capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one protective switch including a Darlington pair of 2 bipolar transistors, configured to be switched from an OFF electrical state into an ON electrical state within a time period less than one hundred microseconds
Implementation Method 2
the signal processing unit being configured to switch the at least one protective switch to the electrical ground upon detection of an amplitude of a signal representative of the amount of spatial radiations greater than a predefined radiation threshold
Implementation Method 3
at least one protective switch electrically connected between the electrical ground of the electronic spatial system and at least one out of the signal input or output ports of the sensitive electronic circuit
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic spatial system is disclosed including an electronic circuit that is sensitive to spatial radiation, including at least one signal input port and/or at least one signal output port; a signal processing unit; an electronic spatial radiation detection unit electrically connected to the signal processing unit; and at least one protective switch electrically connected between the electrical ground of the electronic spatial system and at least one out of the signal input or signal output ports of the sensitive electronic circuit, and controlled by the signal processing unit. The signal processing unit being configured to switch the at least one protective switch to the electrical ground upon detecting an amplitude of a signal that is representative of an amount of spatial radiation greater than a predefined radiation threshold.