Maxwell HSN-1000: The ¬NED pin goes low on detection of a nuclear detonation

[ndictu]

Datasheet: http://www.maxwell.com/products/microelectronics/docs/HSN1000_REV3.PDF

You’ll need to be a government contractor or similar to buy the HSN-1000 from Maxwell directly, but they’re only $150 from obsolete and excess inventory distributor Freelance Electronics.

(Source: http://news.ycombinator.net/item?id=3179645)

[deephaven]

Be careful:

"Maxwell Technologies’ products are not authorized for use as critical components in life support devices or systems
without express written approval from Maxwell Technologies."

[Time]

ok? whats the point of this post?

[ndictu]

Be careful:

"Maxwell Technologies’ products are not authorized for use as critical components in life support devices or systems
without express written approval from Maxwell Technologies."

I don't think there has ever been a product sold without an extensive legal mumbo-jumbo making sure you have no chance of wining a legal battle.

When this thing is used in critical/life stuff the company that makes this product probably does it's own testing.

[JuKu]

ok? whats the point of this post?

I think it is interesting to find out that there is such a thing. How do they do production testing? How would you know if it works or not? 

[alm]

I don't think there has ever been a product sold without an extensive legal mumbo-jumbo making sure you have no chance of wining a legal battle.

When this thing is used in critical/life stuff the company that makes this product probably does it's own testing.

Or they get written approval as part of the contract. These aren't exactly the type of devices you buy from Digikey.

I think it is interesting to find out that there is such a thing. How do they do production testing? How would you know if it works or not? 

I believe it just detects radiation, so they could use a calibrated radiation source, the same type as used for Geiger counters.

[Time]

Put it next to a Z-pinch being driven with mega-amps like the Z machine.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Z_machine

[DaveW]

Almost every company has that or a similar disclaimer, basically they won't take any liability, beyond conforming to specs at a reasonable level of confidence. Although a few companies like Bosch will actually refuse to sell to you if you are building life support systems-shame for us at work as they make very useful accelerometers

Be careful:

"Maxwell Technologies’ products are not authorized for use as critical components in life support devices or systems
without express written approval from Maxwell Technologies."