RADIATION HARDENING WITH OVERLOAD SWITCHES.
Abstract
An experimental and theoretical study of a family of unique devices and circuits classified as fast overload switches is described. Unique characteristics include nanosecond switching times, triggering by a current or voltage pulse, and inherent hardness to ionizing and damaging nuclear radiation. These devices are similar in function to fuses and circuit breakers. Specific devices investigated as part of this study are the Hypersensor and the Sprague Voltage Sensitive Switch (SVSS). The Hypersensor is normally used as a resettable current sensitive device that switches from a low impedance to a high impedance on the application of an overcurrent pulse. The SVSS is normally a one shot voltage sensitive device that switches from a high impedance to a low impedance with an overvoltage pulse. The switching speed involved in the transitions can be in the range of 10 nanoseconds to 500 nanoseconds for both devices. The devices were tested in a Linac electron environment and in pulsed reactor neutron environments. The devices did not switch in either direction as a result of dose-rate and no neutron degradation of any electrical parameter was observed. Active and passive circuit designs illustrating the utility of these devices for radiation hardening, circumvention and instrumentation are presented. A number of circuit designs ar evaluated experimentally in the radiation environments mentioned above. A design feasibility study and tests of a dose and dose-rate detector are described.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0801534
Entities
People
- J. E. Bell
- R. L. Russell
Organizations
- Hughes Aircraft Company