Apparatus for controlling low power voltages in space based processing systems
Inventors
Assignees
National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA
Publication Number
US-9705320-B1
Publication Date
2017-07-11
Expiration Date
2033-09-30
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Abstract
A low power voltage control circuit for use in space missions includes a switching device coupled between an input voltage and an output voltage. The switching device includes a control input coupled to an enable signal, wherein the control input is configured to selectively turn the output voltage on or off based at least in part on the enable signal. A current monitoring circuit is coupled to the output voltage and configured to produce a trip signal, wherein the trip signal is active when a load current flowing through the switching device is determined to exceed a predetermined threshold and is inactive otherwise. The power voltage control circuit is constructed of space qualified components.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a low power voltage control circuit designed for use in space missions, particularly suited for space-based processing systems. The circuit includes a switching device positioned between an input voltage and an output voltage, with a control input connected to an enable signal. This configuration allows the switching device to selectively turn the output voltage on or off based on the enable signal. Additionally, a current monitoring circuit is coupled to the output voltage to produce a trip signal that becomes active when the load current through the switching device exceeds a predetermined threshold.
The low power voltage control circuit is constructed from space qualified components and implements active current monitoring to protect devices such as flash memory modules from high current conditions like those caused by radiation-induced single event latchup (SEL). The circuitry enables selective power shutdown for components to reduce overall power consumption, extend component life, and protect against damage from excessive current draw during space missions. Temperature compensation techniques are included to maintain a generally constant trip threshold across the operating temperature range.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes two independent claims that cover a low power voltage control circuit and system for space missions, detailing the switching device, current monitoring, and control logic.
Low power voltage control circuit with space qualified components
A voltage control circuit featuring a switching device between input and output voltages, having a control input linked to an enable signal to selectively turn output voltage on or off, accompanied by a current monitoring circuit producing an active trip signal when load current exceeds a predetermined threshold, all constructed using space qualified components including at least one space tolerant FPGA device to enhance computing power, thermal stability, and reconfigurability.
Low power voltage control system with monitoring and control logic
A system comprising a switching device with an enable input turning the device on or off depending on the enable signal status, a current monitoring circuit producing an active trip signal when load current exceeds a predetermined threshold, and a monitoring device connected to the trip signal and enable input configured to monitor the trip signal and turn the switching device off when overcurrent is detected, thereby providing increased computing power, thermal stability, and reconfigurability.
The claims collectively define a low power voltage control apparatus and system for space missions that utilize space qualified components, include current monitoring to produce trip signals on overcurrent conditions, and incorporate logic to enable automatic disabling of the voltage output to protect loads and manage power efficiently for increased computing power and thermal stability.
Stated Advantages
Reduces overall power consumption by selectively disabling power to components when not in use.
Protects sensitive components such as flash memory from damage caused by radiation-induced high current conditions like single event latchup.
Extends the overall life of components in space by powering them down during inactivity.
Provides thermal stability through temperature compensation techniques maintaining consistent trip current thresholds over a wide temperature range.
Enables on-the-fly reconfiguration in space-based processing systems with low power operating requirements.
Documented Applications
Use in space missions requiring advanced on-board processing with improved power management and protection.
Control of power to NAND flash memory modules and similar low power electronic devices on space flight processor cards.
Protecting flash memory from radiation effects by selectively disabling power during non-use periods.
Integration with FPGA-based space computing systems to monitor and control power switching for mission specific instruments and experiments through unique I/O cards.
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