Timed Power Isolation Circuit for Radiation Transient Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices in intense radiation environments, such as nuclear events, are prone to damage and malfunction due to the lack of reliable and cost-effective power management solutions that can isolate and protect circuit components during transient events.

Innovation Solution

A circuit design incorporating a transient event detector and timer circuit to disconnect power and discharge energy storage devices during events, using passive energy storage to power these components while isolating the input power source, thereby preventing damage and malfunction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If radiation-hardened devices are used in intense radiation environments, then device reliability is improved, but device cost and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the electronic device into protected segments (downstream components) and unprotected segments (input power regulator), using a power gate to isolate them during radiation events. This allows standard components to be used while protecting critical sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A power gate is introduced as an intermediary component between the input power regulator and downstream components. This mediator detects radiation events and controls power flow, protecting downstream components without requiring them to be radiation-hardened.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If radiation-hardened devices are used in intense radiation environments, then device reliability is improved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice reliabilityVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the device to protect only critical downstream components during radiation events, allowing the use of inexpensive standard components instead of expensive radiation-hardened devices throughout the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses inexpensive standard electronic components that can be replaced or protected during radiation events, rather than investing in expensive radiation-hardened components. The power gate enables this cost-effective approach by isolating components when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Productivity

If power is continuously supplied to downstream components, then device functionality is maintained, but damage risk during transient events increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoiddamage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The power gate detects transient radiation events and preemptively interrupts power supply to downstream components before damage can occur. This preliminary protective action prevents damage while allowing normal operation during non-event conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares protection mechanisms in advance by continuously monitoring for radiation events. When detected, the power gate immediately activates to protect downstream components, ensuring functionality is maintained when needed while protecting against damage during events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If passive energy storage devices are isolated from input power source during transient events, then device protection is improved, but power supply continuity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice protectionVSAvoidpower supply continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Passive energy storage devices are charged in advance during normal operation to create an energy cushion. During radiation events, when the power gate isolates downstream components, this pre-stored energy maintains operation of critical circuits, bridging the gap until power can be restored.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS12609526B2Systems and methods for providing self-powered timed power isolation circuit

Publication Date: 2026.04.21 L3HARRIS GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS INC

AI summary

A circuit comprising: an input power source; an input power regulator connected to the input power source and configured to supply regulated power to circuit component(s); a transient event detector configured to detect a transient event; a timer circuit configured to change a signal on a line connecting the timer circuit to the circuit component(s) when the transient event is detected (wherein the change of the signal (i) causes supply of the regulated power to be discontinued and (ii) causes power or energy storage devices of the circuit component(s) to be discharged to ground); and a passive energy storage device configured to supply an amount of power to operate the timer circuit at least through the transient event, while the input power source is electrically isolated from the passive energy storage device and the timer circuit.