Radiation-Triggered Grounding Circuit for Space Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic systems in spatial environments are vulnerable to spatial radiation-induced singular events, such as SEE, which can cause damage or destruction, and current protection methods fail to provide deterministic and efficient protection, especially under industrial constraints of time, cost, and risk, while also failing to distinguish between case opening/thinning-induced failures and radiation-induced failures.
Innovation Solution
An electronic spatial system with protective switches and a signal processing unit that detects spatial radiation levels exceeding a threshold, rapidly switching sensitive circuits to ground to prevent damage, using a combination of fast and slow switches to manage different types of radiation events, and a test method to ensure service life without component alteration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If electronic components are reduced in electrical dimensions to improve integration density, then productivity and miniaturization are improved, but sensitivity to spatial radiation increases leading to more singular events
Solution Approach 1:
The protection circuit is activated in advance before radiation exposure occurs. The system continuously monitors for radiation-induced singular events and is ready to immediately activate protective measures (such as switching off power supply or isolating affected components) the moment a singular event is detected, preventing damage before it can occur
Solution Approach 2:
A companion circuit acts as an intermediary between the sensitive integrated circuit and the external environment. This companion circuit detects singular events and mediates protection by controlling power supply switching and isolating the sensitive circuit from harmful radiation effects
2Reliability
If companion circuits are added to monitor and protect sensitive integrated circuits, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The companion circuit and protection functions are merged into a single integrated unit that works in close association with the sensitive integrated circuit. The protection circuit shares physical and functional integration with the monitored circuit, reducing the need for separate discrete protection components and simplifying the overall system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The companion circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting singular events, controlling power supply switching, isolating affected components, and potentially resetting the system. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated circuits for each protection function, reducing overall device complexity
3Reliability
If existing protection methods are used, then some level of protection is provided, but deterministic and efficient protection under industrial constraints is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary testing and characterization of the sensitive integrated circuit's sensitivity to spatial radiation before deployment. Radiation sensitivity tests are conducted to determine specific thresholds and characteristics, allowing the protection circuit to be pre-configured with optimal detection thresholds and response parameters for deterministic protection
Solution Approach 2:
The protection system implements continuous feedback monitoring of the integrated circuit's operational status and radiation exposure levels. The companion circuit receives real-time feedback from sensors and circuit performance indicators, dynamically adjusting protection measures to maintain optimal protection efficiency while minimizing unnecessary interruptions to productivity
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 spatial radiation damage by rapidly discharging power supplies and distinguishing between radiation-induced and manufacturing-induced failures, ensuring reliable operation and extended service life.
Implementation Method 1
switching said at least one protective switch to said electrical ground upon detection of an amplitude of a signal representative of an amount of spatial radiations greater than a predefined radiation threshold
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 is 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.