Accurate ultra low power fuze electronics

Abstract

An accurate, yet ultra low power fuse electronics is presented in which two methods are used to reduce power consumption in the fuze electronics. First, the fuze uses low power 3.3 volt logic chips ('LV' series or equivalent CMOS logic chips) along with switches that have low input capacitance and low quiescent current. Second, a circuit design is used which, while still accomplishing the objects of the invention, drastically reduces the number of electronic elements required. When a projectile is fired from a weapon, a fire control system transmits a signal to a data conditioner located on the projectile. The data conditioner demodulates and filters the signal, producing a burst time data word which is transmitted to a microcontroller. The data conditioner is comprised of passive components, therefore no supply power is required. The microcontroller decodes the data word and also uses the data word to correct any error in the high and low speed fuze oscillators. The microcontroller then converts the data word to a count down. At the end of count clown, the microcontroller transmits a signal to the detonator, thereby exploding the projectile. Power is supplied to the fuze electronics by a power conditioner's function which takes energy input from a fast rise piezoid and apportions it to the fuze electronics. The detonator utilizes a low power MOSFET or SCR switch and the power conditioner uses a low power CMOS DC/DC converter.