Nuclear Event Detector for Radiation Hardened Interceptor Avionics for Ascent Phase Interceptor

The objective of this research and development effort is to encourage the genesis of innovative, high performance avionics systems, subsystems, and components that will enhance the capability of successfully achieving early intercept missile defense in current and future interceptors in a hostile environment. Specifically, we propose to develop a nuclear event detector and circumvention controller (NEDCC) system that will be used onboard the BMDA interceptor missile. Nuclear event detectors (NED) are a key part of military electronic systems whose components are susceptible to damage from transient gamma or X-ray radiation. An effective nuclear event detector must first detect the transient radiation. At a pre-determined threshold of transient radiation, the NED must generate appropriate control signals to circumvent or shut down the critical circuitry that would be damaged or destroyed by the transient radiation. To optimize the performance and reliability of the NEDCC, two options will be pursued during the Phase I program. The lowest risk option will include a silicon chip with CMOS analog and digital circuitry along with an external P-I-N detector diode. In addition, AET, Inc. is proposing to research the technology for a monolithic silicon chip containing an internal P-I-N diode or an onboard diamond sensor.