Self-Powered Radiation Sensor Using Floating Gate Diodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Radiation sensors typically require an external power source, which increases their cost and size and may not be available in all situations, necessitating a solution for self-powered radiation sensors.

Innovation Solution

The development of radiation sensors powered by radiation, utilizing floating conductive structures and radiation sensing diodes that can operate without external power, integrated into standard CMOS or MEMS process flows, allowing for radiation detection without saturation and long-term information storage without a double polysilicon floating gate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an external power source is used to power the radiation sensor, then the sensor can operate reliably, but the cost and size of the sensor increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor operation reliabilityVSAvoidsensor size and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The radiation sensor is designed to power itself using the radiation it detects. The sensor includes a power generation component that converts detected radiation into electrical energy to operate the sensor's circuitry, eliminating the need for external power sources and reducing both size and cost while maintaining operational reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the detected radiation, which would otherwise be just a measurement signal, into useful electrical energy to power the sensor. By using the radiation itself as the power source, the system turns the detected energy into a beneficial resource that sustains the sensor's operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If an external power source is required for the radiation sensor, then the sensor can function properly, but the sensor cannot be used in situations where power is not available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor functionalityVSAvoidsensor applicability in power-less environments

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor generates its own power from the radiation it detects, enabling it to operate autonomously in environments without external power sources. This self-powered capability allows the sensor to function reliably in diverse locations including remote areas, space applications, and any environment where radiation is present but external power is unavailable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If a double polysilicon floating gate is used for information storage, then the sensor can store information, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation storage capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the complex double polysilicon floating gate structure from the sensor design. By removing this unnecessary component, the manufacturing process is simplified and cost is reduced while the sensor maintains its information storage capability through alternative, simpler structures that are easier to manufacture using standard CMOS processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Enables cost-effective, compact radiation sensors that can operate without external power, providing reliable radiation detection and storage capabilities, suitable for various applications including package monitoring and tampering detection.

Implementation Method 1

a first group of radiation sensing diodes configured to convert sensed radiation that is sensed by the first group to a first output signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a first isolated conductive structure configured to have its state changed by the first output signal; a state of the isolated conductive structure may refer to the amount of charge stored in the isolated conductive structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical charge storage: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS11231510B1Radiation sensor

Publication Date: 2022.01.25 TOWER SEMICONDUCTOR LTD

AI summary

A radiation sensor that may include a first transistor, a first isolated conductive structure that comprises a floating gate of the first transistor, a first group of radiation sensing diodes that are coupled to each other, wherein the first group is configured to convert sensed radiation that is sensed by the first group to a first output signal, and to change a state of the first isolated conductive structure using the first output signal, a second transistor, a second isolated conductive structure that comprises a floating gate of the second transistor, and a second group of radiation sensing diodes that are coupled to each other, wherein the second group is configured to convert sensed radiation that is sensed by the second group to a second output signal, and to change a state, under a control of the first transistor, of the second isolated conductive structure using the second output signal.