Rad Hard Processors And Power Converters Propel Intermediate Bus Architecture Into Space Applications

Focus:

Until recently designers could apply distributed power schemes using space-grade, isolated dc-dc converters and EMI filter modules, but were limited to using linear regulators for voltage stepdown at the point-of-load. But with the introduction of nonisolated, point-of-load converters (POLs)(i.e. buck converters) qualified for space, the use of the intermediate bus architecture became feasible in space systems, enabling designers to better optimize their power distribution systems for efficiency, size and weight. This article discusses the special design requirements and issues that must be considered when applying POLs and the intermediate bus architecture in space applications. The article begins by briefly discussing the benefits of the intermediate bus architecture, load requirements for DSPs and FPGAs and their impact on POL use, input requirements for the isolated converters and the interaction between isolated converters and POLs. The article then goes into greater depth in discussing the environmental (i.e. radiation) requirements of space, explaining the concepts of total ionizing dose (TID) and displacement damage (DD), and single-event effects (SEE), and how they impact POL converter design. VPT is maker of space-grade dc-dc converters and POLs and their products are used to illustrate various points in the discussion.

What you’ll learn:

• How to understand the impact of radiation requirements on the application of the intermediate bus architecture in space systems
• How to understand the benefits and some general requirements for application of intermediate bus architectures

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Author & Publication:

Leonard Leslie, VPT, Blacksburg, Va., How2Power Today, Jan 17 2013

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