Radiation-resistant power converters provide highly reliable solutions for space applications

     With both private and public entities exploring new areas of space, from 5-gram communications, Cubesats to iot applications, the low-Earth orbit market is growing rapidly. There is an increasing demand for standard space-grade solutions that are reliable, cost-effective and configurable. To meet this market demand, Microchip Technologies announced the new RT LE50-28 isolated DC-DC 50 w power converter family, available in nine models with single and triple output ranges from 3.3v to 28v.

     The off-the-shelf power converter family was created to meet mil-std-461. The power converter features a matching EMI filter and a selection of one or three outputs depending on the voltage range required for the final application, providing customers with easy to design scaling and customization. The series offers the flexibility to parallel up to four power converters, up to 200w.

     Designed for 28 v bus systems, the converter can be integrated with the company's PolarFire FPGas, microcontrollers and LX7720-RT motor control sensors to form a complete electrical system solution. Designers can use these highly reliable radiation-resistant power solutions to significantly reduce system-level development time.

     "The new LE50-28 family of devices enables our customers to succeed in new spatial and Leo environments where components must withstand harsh conditions," said Leon Gross, group vice president of Discrete Chip Products. Our off-the-shelf products provide reliable and cost-effective solutions designed to meet customers' expectations of Microchip."

     Power converters are available with a variety of electrical connection and installation options. The le50 series is manufactured on printed circuit boards using traditional surface mount and through-hole components. This distinction in the manufacturing process can reduce time to market and risks associated with supply chain disruptions. The series features space-grade radiation tolerance of 50 carats TID and see latch immunity of 37 MeV ·cm2 / mg linear energy transfer.

     The company offers a broad range of components to support new spatial developments, using sub-QML strategies to bridge the gap between traditional QML components and COTS components. Designed for new space applications, sub-QML components are the best solution to combine the radiation tolerance of QML components with our spaceflight heritage to reduce screening requirements, reduce costs, and shorten lead times.