Microchip bases nine space-qualified rad-hard power converters on COTS technology
Expanding the SA50-120 family of power converters, Microchip Technology has used commercial off the shelf (COTS) technology for the devices which are qualified 100V and 120V bus systems for space applications.
COTS technology provides developers with space-qualified power converters that help to minimise risk and lower development costs, explains Microchip, because designers can start with proven COTS technology and quickly scale up development.
The SA50-120 radiation-hardened DC/DC power converters are claimed to be the only standard non-hybrid space-grade DC/DC power converters available today. The surface mount components can be customised to fit specific applications and requirements, adds Microchip.
The SA50-120 family is qualified to Mil-Std-461, Mil-Std-883 and Mil-Std-202.
SA50-120 power converters use 120V input and offer up to 56W of output in a low profile small-format device. The EMI-compliant and radiation-hardened designs with single and triple outputs are suitable for space station and ORION program platforms. The devices’ switching regulators use peak current mode controlled single-ended forward converter topology with inherent single event immunity. They offer eight million hours mean time between failure (MTBF) and up to 87 per cent efficiency, making them the highest of any standard 120V input space-grade DC/DC power converter, according to Microchip. The SA50-120 devices are qualified to 100krad (Si) total ionisation dose (TID) and single event effects (SEE) greater than 80 MeV cm2 per mg. They also offer synchronisation, a transitor-transitor logic (TTL) on/off command signal, and protection features. Single output versions additionally offer remote sense, output voltage adjust and parallel connection functions.
The company manufactures the devices at its ISO 9000 and AS9100-certified fabrication facilities. The company also teams with system manufacturers and integrators on obsolescence management, to minimise redesign work and lengthen life cycles to reduce overall costs.
Microchip provides end-to-end design support, with analysis and qualification reports on demand and engineering development units available from stock.
The SA50-120S devices are available in 3.3V, 5V, 12V, 15V and 28V outputs. SA50-120T units are available in 3.3V or 5V main output with 12V or 15V auxiliary outputs. The radiation-hardened units are available now for volume production and limited sampling.