The highly integrated protection system (HIPS) platform developed for NuScale Power's small modular reactor 
Barriers of protection designed into the NuSCale SMR. Image credit: NuScale(SMR) is deemed acceptable by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for use in plant safety-related instrumentation and control systems.
The protection system architecture designed by NuScale (Portland, Ore.) and Rock Creek Innovations LLC (Waverly, Kans.) comprises four module types that can be interconnected to implement multiple configurations to support various types of reactor safety systems. The platform also uses field programmable gate array technology that is not vulnerable to internet cyber-attacks.
A working prototype of the HIPS platform was installed and tested in the NuScale simulator in Corvallis, Ore., earlier this year. The prototype was designed and manufactured by NuScale strategic partner Ultra Electronics.
The first commercial NuScale power plant is planned for construction on the site of the Idaho National Laboratory for Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems and operated by Energy Northwest.
