Configurable PoL converter extends ST’ space-qualified power portfolio
A QML-V qualified 7.0A point of load (PoL) DC/DC converter has been added by STMicroelectronics to its portfolio of radiation-hardened (rad-hard) integrated power products for high power efficiency in demanding space applications.
The RHRPMPOL01 PoL converter includes an N-channel power MOSFET and bootstrap diode, with under-voltage, over-voltage, over-temperature, and adjustable over-current protection. It is provided in a compact Power FLAT-28A hermetically sealed ceramic package that has a very low junction-to-case thermal resistance to maximise power dissipation, explains ST.
The qualified device, Standard Microcircuit Drawing (SMD) 5962-28208, is Radiation Hardness Assured (RHA) up to 100krad(Si), and single event latch-up (SEL) and single event snap-back (SESB) free up to 70Mev.cm2/mq. Single-event upset (SEU) and single-event functional interruption (SEFI) are characterised at 7.0V operating voltage.
The RHRPMPOL01 allows both synchronisation and current sharing, making it a suitable companion chip for demanding loads such as FPGAs, microprocessors, and ASICs. Synchronisation allows dephasing multiple PoLs to minimise both the peak current of the application boards and the output ripple, ensuring high accuracy, says ST. Synchronised devices can operate with independent outputs for loads that require different voltage levels, or with tied outputs to supply high-current loads, in this case leveraging the current-sharing functionality.
With a high absolute maximum supply rating of 14V, the RHRPMPOL01 converts an input voltage in the range 3.0V to 12V to an output voltage that can be set from 0.8V to 85 per cent of the input voltage value. The 0.8V minimum output allows the converter to provide power for advanced devices that operate at low supply voltage.
Based on peak-current-mode control, the RHRPMPOL01 is easily stabilised using external components and ensures fast load-transient response. The switching frequency is programmable from 100kHz to 1MHz. Both programmable soft-start duration and delay allow designers to limit the inrush current. An ‘enable’ pin simplifies power sequencing and a ‘power-good’ pin provides real-time information on output-voltage status.
The PoL converter is based on ST’s BCD6s SOI process technology, which provides proven resilience against single-event effects, says the company. The converter has been developed with the support of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the French Government Space Agency, CNES.
The RHRPMPOL01 is in production now and is supported by an ecosystem that includes the EVAL-RHRPMPOL01 evaluation board and user guide, PSpice models, and documentation including radiation reports.
