Rad-tolerant power management regulator targets LEO applications
Space system developers can quickly develop prototypes and final designs for power management systems with the radiation-tolerant MIC69303RT 3A low-dropout (LDO) voltage regulator, from Microchip.
The commercialisation of the low earth orbit (LEO) region is transforming space exploration and satellite communication at roughly 1,200 miles above earth. For satellites to successfully operate and reach their destination it is essential to select components that can withstand the harsh space environment.
It is the first commercial off the shelf (COTS) rad-tolerant power device and LEO and other space applications. The MIC69303RT is available for prototype sampling in both plastic and hermetic ceramic to support the requirements of the mission.
Based on proven COTS devices, it is designed to make it easier to conduct preliminary evaluation and early development, said Microchip. Operating from a single low voltage supply of 1.65 to 5.5V, the device can supply output voltages as low as 0.5V at high currents, offering high precision and low dropout voltages of 500mV under extreme conditions. The MIC69303RT is a companion power source for Microchip’s radiation-tolerant, space-qualified microcontrollers such as the SAM71Q21RT and PolarFire FPGAs, including the RTPF500TLS.
“MIC69303RT is Microchip’s first rad-tolerant power management device with a hermetic ceramic package, latch up immunity and 50krad total dose robustness,” said Bob Vampola, vice president of Microchip’s aerospace and defence business unit. “
For Keith Pazul, director of marketing for Microchip’s analogue power and interface business unit, the COTS rad-tolerant power management device enables new design possibilities in space applications. “Customers can design their space system with confidence by selecting the COTS MIC69303RT space-qualified part to power Microchip space-qualified MCUs and FPGAs,” he explained.
Operating temperature range is -55 to +125 degrees C. It is offered in eight- and 10-pin package configurations with radiation tolerance up to 50krad. The low noise of the output is critical to sensitive RF circuits, post regulation of switching power supplies and industrial power applications.
The MIC69303RT device is manufactured in compliance with the following MIL Class Q or Class V requirements: screening testing, qualification testing and TCI/QCI specifications. The plastic MIC69303RT is compliant with high reliability plastic quality flow derived from AEC-Q100 automotive requirements with specific additional tests necessary for space applications.
The MIC69303RT plastic evaluation board is designed to evaluate the performance of the plastic engineering IC version for the MIC69303RT. The four-layer PCB allows the user to easily change and measure the electric parameters of the device at different input and output conditions.
The MIC69303RT is available in limited sampling upon request.
