A Brief Overview of Silicon Carbide Based Smart Sensor System Technologies for Planetary and Aeronautics Applications

A range of aerospace application related to planetary exploration and aeronautic engine operations require Smart Sensor System technologies operational in harsh environments. A Smart Sensor System as described here implies the use of sensors combined with electronics and other supporting technologies. For example, missions to the surface of planets like Venus or Mercury are challenged by extreme temperatures and environments, e.g., extended Venus operation 465°C [1]. In response, NASA has been developing capabilities for a small lander that is designed to operate for months in the extreme temperatures. These capabilities span electronics, sensors, communications, and power. Such a lander would enable new revolutionary science. Similar game changing capabilities are enabled by the introduction of high temperature smart systems into aeronautic engine applications to enable distributed intelligence within the engine system [2].

Core to meeting these applications is operational harsh environment electronics, corresponding sensor systems, and their integration. This presentation concentrates on the status of Smart System technologies emphasizing the role of Silicon Carbide (SiC) electronics and sensors. For example, SiC integrated circuit (IC) electronics have matured to a state where a simple long-life scientific probe is feasible for extended Venus surface operations [1, 3]. Maturation of these high temperature electronics and other technologies has been part of NASA projects to provide an operational system for in situ exploration of the Venus surface for up to 60 days [1,3-4]. This is in parallel to work expanding the capabilities of the sensor technology to provide science measurements on the Venus surface. This technology development, as well as that for other planetary applications and intelligent high temperature engine operations, will be discussed.