Smart Initiation System Background  EBAD’s Smart Initiation architecture moves the ordnance initiation electronics typically found in a  centralized firing controller to a within the initiator metallic housing. This creates a more efficient architecture  as the firing circuitry is less than 25 mm (1 inch) away from the bridge element and one-shot events are  commanded to actuate via a data bus rather than using point-to-point wiring. The initiation architecture  consists of a small Initiation Controller (IC) capable of controlling more than 120 Smart Initiators (SI); the  system elements are shown in Figure 1. Implementation of an architecture like this has resulted in a  dramatic reduction in the size, weight, and power needed for firing of ordnance events on a missile and  space platforms. EBAD also has a Smart Detonator (SD) configuration for applications where a detonation  input is required.  Figure 1. Smart Initiation System Elements.  Left to Right: Initiation Controller (IC) & Cable Harness, Smart Initiators (SI)  Initiation Controller (IC) Functional Characteristics  The Initiation Controller (IC) provides the interface between the host vehicles’ electrical/data interfaces and  provides digital commands to Smart Initiators (SI) to perform arming, firing, and Built-In-Test functions.  Commands are based on signals from the ground system or host vehicle and execute discrete commands  and/or trigger a predetermined sequence of events. The IC does not change based on the number of SIs  but rather on the mission profile and mission needs. The IC is a low-power electronics unit drawing less  than 100 mA of quiescent current.  Smart Initiator (SI) Functional Characteristics  The Smart Initiator (SI) contains the arming and firing functions that are typically contained in a centralized  firing controller. Each SI contains a unique address and is commanded to arm and fire by receiving digital  commands over a data bus from the Initiation Controller (IC); it contains electronic safety interlocks that  preclude inadvertent firing, provides Arming and Firing functions when commanded, and has extensive  Built-In-Test capability. Initiator functional and safety characteristics are accomplished by having the proper  physical, electrical, pyrotechnic, and software/firmware features in the SI. The SI provides a NASA Standard  Initiator equivalent pyrotechnic (pressure-time/caloric) output.1 Key Technologies for Size and Power Reduction  Two technological advances enabled the successful development and fielding of a smart initiation system.  The first is the availability of small, low cost, reliable microelectronics that allows the integration of SI  circuitry into a very small package. The second is the availably of a low-energy Semiconductor Bridge  (SCB) element for initiation of pyrotechnic materials. The primary advantage of a SCB firing element is that  it requires 1/100th the firing energy over conventional Hot Bridgewire (HBW) elements, enabling use of a  small, capacitive discharge firing circuit. The SI trickle charges its firing capacitor during arming, drawing  less than 10 mA during arming/firing versus a typical 5-A current draw for a NASA Standard Initiator or  equivalent initiator. This is particularly important for systems where multiple events are required to be  actuated simultaneously.  NASA/CP—2018-219887 264