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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor integrated circuits in radiation-exposed environments, such as space, suffer from malfunctions like SEL, SEU, and SET due to charged particles, requiring costly redesigns to maintain functionality.
Innovation Solution
A kit comprising a cooling unit and radiation detection unit is added to existing semiconductor integrated circuits, utilizing the phenomenon of decreased semiconductor body region resistance to reduce current flow through parasitic structures, thereby enhancing radiation tolerance without altering the circuit configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the semiconductor integrated circuit is cooled down, then the resistance of the body region decreases and current flow through parasitic structures is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to addition of cooling unit and radiation detection unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the semiconductor integrated circuit to improve radiation tolerance. By cooling the circuit, the body region resistance decreases, which suppresses current flow through parasitic structures formed by charged particle irradiation. This parameter change approach directly addresses the reliability improvement while accepting the added complexity of cooling infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cooling unit as an intermediary component between the semiconductor integrated circuit and the radiation environment. This cooling unit acts as a mediator that modifies the thermal state of the circuit, thereby indirectly protecting it from radiation-induced malfunctions without requiring direct modification of the circuit's internal structure.
2Reliability
If the semiconductor integrated circuit is cooled down, then the generation of malfunction is restrained, but the use of energy increases due to operation of cooling unit and radiation detection unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a radiation detection unit that monitors the radiation environment and provides feedback to the cooling unit control. This feedback mechanism allows the cooling system to operate only when radiation levels exceed predetermined thresholds, thereby improving radiation tolerance while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption during normal low-radiation conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling unit operates periodically or intermittently based on radiation detection results rather than continuously. The system activates cooling when radiation levels are high and can reduce or stop cooling operation when radiation levels are low, creating a periodic action pattern that balances reliability improvement with energy conservation.
3Reliability
If the configuration of semiconductor integrated circuit is changed to improve radiation tolerance, then the reliability improves, but the development period and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the radiation protection function into a separate external module (cooling unit with radiation detection unit) rather than integrating it into the semiconductor circuit design itself. This segmentation allows the existing circuit to remain unchanged while adding protection capabilities externally, significantly reducing development time and avoiding costly circuit redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary cooling system that interfaces with the existing semiconductor circuit without requiring modification of the circuit's internal configuration. This intermediary approach preserves the original circuit design, avoiding the time and cost associated with redesigning the semiconductor integrated circuit while still achieving improved radiation tolerance.
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
This approach effectively reduces the occurrence of radiation-induced malfunctions by minimizing current flow through parasitic structures, saving development time and costs while maintaining normal operation.
Implementation Method 1
by cooling the semiconductor integrated circuit, the generation of a malfunction can be more restrained. Also, because it adds the cooling unit and the radiation detection unit to an existing semiconductor integrated circuit
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is equipped with a semiconductor integrated circuit, a radiation detection device, and a cooling device. Here, the radiation detection device detects the amount of radiation and is provided to the vicinity of the semiconductor integrated circuit. The cooling device cools the semiconductor integrated circuit in accordance with the detected amount of radiation. By cooling the semiconductor integrated circuit to a greater extent in environments with a greater amount of radiation, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of mal-functioning.