Radiation-Hardened Current Sense Module for Ocean World Probes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sense modules for space missions to ocean worlds like Europa and Enceladus face challenges in surviving extreme radiation levels and extremely cold temperatures, which existing technologies fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A current sense module designed to operate at radiation levels up to 300 Krad and temperatures down to -184°C, featuring sensing resistors and amplification circuits that accurately measure motor phase currents, preventing motor damage and ensuring accurate torque control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional current sense modules are used, then they can operate under normal conditions, but they fail to survive extreme radiation levels and extremely cold temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the operational parameters of the current sense module by selecting components rated for extreme temperature ranges (−184° C. to +125° C.) and implementing compensation circuits that adjust for parameter drift under radiation exposure, thereby enabling reliable operation in harsh environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite packaging structures combining radiation-hardened materials and thermally conductive substrates that provide both radiation shielding and thermal management, allowing the module to withstand both radiation and extreme cold simultaneously
2Reliability
If the module is designed to withstand extreme radiation and cold, then it can survive in harsh environments, but the component selection and design complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional current sense module that simultaneously provides current measurement, temperature compensation, and radiation hardening through integrated circuits that perform multiple functions, reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each protection function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary compensation circuits that mediate between the sensing elements and the output, isolating the sensitive measurement functions from the harsh environmental effects while maintaining measurement accuracy through active compensation
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 module effectively measures motor phase currents, preventing motor damage and ensuring accurate torque control, even in harsh environments, by using sensing resistors and amplification circuits that can withstand extreme radiation and cold temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensing resistor disposed in-line with a phase of a motor; and a current sensing circuit with two input terminals coupled across the at least one sensing resistor; the current sensing circuit being configured to amplify a voltage across the at least one sensing resistor
Data Source
AI summary
Current sensing devices that are capable of surviving harsh ambient environment of ocean worlds, such as Jupiter and Saturn moons are disclosed. The described devices can meet 300 Krad radiation requirements and can survive at cold temperatures down to −184° C. Exemplary implementations of the constituent circuits of the devices are presented. A scheduling algorithm to perform various measurement by the disclosed current sensing devices is also described.