Microchip’s alternatives to inflexible hybrid-style converters now include 28 Volt input improving design flexibility while reducing system size, cost and development time
Space system designers cannot easily support non-standard voltages or add functions with traditional hybrid-style power converters. Microchip Technology has therefore eliminated the cost, complexity and customisation challenges of these hybrid systems by offering a discrete-component-based, space-grade DC-DC power converter family that now includes 28V-input, 50-watt (W) radiation-tolerant options.
According to Leon Gross, vice president of Microchip’s discrete product business unit, the latest 28V-input SA50-28 products greatly simplify and accelerate system development.
“They are easier to customise than alternative space-grade power converters so they can meet specific voltage, current and other needs. Customers gain flexibility while reducing the size, cost and complexity of their space system designs,” he explains.
Off-the-shelf readiness
Microchip believes the SA50-28 family is the industry’s only off-the-shelf, 28V-input, radiation-tolerant power converter that is based on discrete components with surface-mount construction and non-hybrid assembly processes. Delivering more capabilities than alternative off-the-shelf, space-grade power converters, a single SA50-28 device with customised parameters eliminates the volume, weight and complexity problems of using hybrid solutions with their multiple devices and surrounding circuitry.
The comprehensive SA50-28 product line is a 20V- to 40V-input, 50W family with nine standard outputs of 3.3V, 5V, 12V, 15V and 28V in single- and triple-output configurations. The devices can be tailored to a system’s exacting power needs in a relatively short time with minimal additional costs as compared to hybrid-style power converter products. Other features include high efficiency, low output noise, output inhibit control, overcurrent protection, external synchronisation and full-rated power operation from −55°C to +85°C with linear derating to +125°C.
The SA50-28 family is part of Microchip’s range of standard non-hybrid, space-grade power converters that enable designers to use commercially available, off-the-shelf components whose circuitry has a proven spaceflight heritage.
The products join the radiation-hardened SA50-120 power converter family, introduced in February 2021, that reduces risk and development time for qualified space systems by allowing designers to start with proven commercially available off the shelf technology in ceramic or plastic packages and quickly scaling up development using lower screening levels than traditional Qualified Manufacturers List (QML) requirements.
The SA50-28 family is available for volume production or limited sampling. Prototype-grade units are available from stock, and non-radiation-tolerant engineering units are also available with the same performance as the space-grade units at a lower cost. The devices are complemented by Microchip’s family of FPGAs, high-reliability radiation-hardened power semiconductors, and space-grade timing devices.
- UK manufacturing steps up to COVID-19 crisis - April 2, 2020
- Clustering Innovation - March 12, 2020
- A Global Monitor - March 6, 2020