Spacecraft Electronics Protection via Solar Proton Event Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spacecraft electronics in deep space are vulnerable to rapid degradation from high-energy proton events during Solar Proton Events, which existing solutions like radiation shielding, redundant systems, and radiation-hardened electronics are costly and inefficient, especially for micro- or nano-spacecraft that require lightweight and cost-effective components.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a non-radiation-hardened electronics module with a sensor and switch configuration that disconnects the module from power during detected solar proton events and reconnects once the event has passed, using a processor to manage the power down and up signals, and optionally including a secondary module that remains active during events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radiation shielding is used to protect COTS electronics, then reliability is improved, but weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of solar proton events using a sensor that monitors radiation levels. When a SPE is detected, the switch is activated in advance to disconnect the electronics from the power supply, preventing radiation damage before it occurs. This proactive approach eliminates the need for heavy radiation shielding.
2Reliability
If radiation hardened electronics are used, then reliability is improved, but cost and development time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses inexpensive, commercially available electronics that can be quickly manufactured and replaced if necessary, rather than investing in expensive radiation-hardened components with long development cycles. The protection mechanism allows standard electronics to survive SPEs, making the system both cost-effective and rapidly deployable.
3Reliability
If redundant systems are implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and isolates the vulnerable electronics from the radiation environment by using a switch to disconnect power during SPEs. This simple separation mechanism protects the electronics without requiring complex redundant systems or fault-tolerant architectures.
4Ease of manufacture
If COTS electronics are used in deep space, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates during SPEs
Solution Approach 1:
The switch acts as an intermediary between the power supply and the COTS electronics, controlling power delivery based on radiation conditions. This intermediary component enables the use of standard electronics in the harsh deep space environment by protecting them during SPEs while allowing normal operation during safe conditions.
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 solution effectively protects non-radiation-hardened electronics from damage during solar proton events by temporarily powering them down during events, ensuring their longevity and reducing the need for costly radiation-hardened components, while maintaining the benefits of using commercial off-the-shelf electronics.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor can be configured for detecting a solar proton event and may emit the event signal upon detection of the solar proton event
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for protecting an electronics module on a spacecraft in space are described. The system includes a non-radiation hardened electronics module electrically connected to a power supply, with a switch connected between the power supply and the electronics module. The switch can disconnect the electronics module from the power supply in response to an event signal. A sensor which is capable of detecting a solar proton event is connected to the switch. The sensor emits the event signal upon detection of the solar proton event.