Abstract: A range switching circuit for a solid state electrometer, e.g., for use in radiacmeter, includes a substantially symmetrical circuit having an n-channel MOSFET and an NPN transistor in one branch and a p-channel MOSFET and a PNP transistor in the other branch. The electrometer includes an operational amplifier with two high value resistors in the feedback path. A latching reed relay selectively shorts out one of the feedback resistors when one of the transistors is gated on by the corresponding MOSFET.

Abstract: A sensing system for use in a remote location which detects electromagnetic adiation energy, the system being self-activating, turning itself automatically on and off, as a function of radiation intensity across the detector. In essence, when no radiation is present across the detector, the system will consume no power, the switches and MOSFET discriminator being essentially in an "off" position. Radiation across the detector provides a current to an input capacitance which when charged turns on the switch and the MOSFET discriminator. A switch driver produces an output pulse showing the presence of radiation; the system then shuts off awaiting the next radiation input. Since the sensor system uses virtually no power unless radiation is present, it is ideally suited for use in remote environments where battery power and size is a predominant consideration.