Space-Ready Radiation-Resistant Power Converter Available for Use
Microchip Technology Introduces Radiation-Hardened Space-Grade Power Solution
Microchip Technology, a leading semiconductor company, has unveiled an innovative power solution designed for harsh space environments: the SA15-28 radiation-hardened, 15-watt DC-DC power converter, and its companion SF100-28 EMI filter.
The SA15-28 is a compact and lightweight power converter, weighing just 60 grams and occupying 1.68 cubic inches. It operates from a standard 28-V satellite bus, making it compatible with existing SA50 series power converters and SF200 EMI filters, enhancing system modularity and integration. The converter delivers triple 5-V outputs, optimized for powering point-of-load converters and low-dropout (LDO) linear regulators, particularly suited for FPGAs and microprocessors in space systems.
The SA15-28 is radiation-hardened with a tolerance of up to 100 krad Total Ionizing Dose (TID), ensuring reliable operation in the harsh radiation environment of space. It operates across a wide temperature range from -55 °C to +125 °C.
The SF100-28 EMI filter, designed to work in tandem with the SA15-28, provides electromagnetic interference noise suppression that meets MIL-STD-461 specifications. It can be used with power converters up to 100 W, helping reduce EMI in spaceborne power systems.
Both the SA15-28 and SF100-28 are available in several variants, ranging from Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) to fully space-qualified levels, with options including Radiation-Hardened By Design (RHBD) and packaging in ceramic or plastic substrates. They are supported by comprehensive reliability and stress analysis reports.
Together, these components offer an off-the-shelf, non-hybrid, isolated power solution tailored for harsh space environments, enabling fast development and reliability for satellite and other spacecraft power systems. The SA15-28 and SF100-28 are now available for purchase.
References:
- Microchip Technology Press Release
- SA15-28 Datasheet
- SF100-28 Datasheet
- MIL-STD-461 Specifications
- Spacecraft Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) Constraints
This new power solution by Microchip Technology, the SA15-28, is a radiation-hardened, 15-watt DC-DC power converter engineered for space-and-astronomy applications. It operates in the demanding space environment and can work in tandem with the SF100-28 EMI filter, a technology crucial in space-and-astronomy. Both components, with their space-grade features, contribute significantly to scientific advancements in the realm of space-and-astronomy through their reliable power provision and electromagnetic interference reduction.
