Linear voltage regulator for space applications

Focus:

This short tutorial discusses issues and trends in the design of low-dropout linear regulators (LDOs) for space applications. Most of the article is a more-general tutorial explaining how linear regulators work, explaining basic parameters such as efficiency, quiescent current and dropout voltage, and the impact of design choices such as the type of pass transistor and error amplifier on regulator performance. Then the discussion turns to design considerations for space including use of an external compensating capacitor, stability requirements of the European Space Agency’s “tunnel of death” stability curve, and trends in development of space-grade LDOs. Article concludes with cautions about radiation-induced, single-event transients and LDO sensitivities to these transients as well as a warning about single-event burnout and gate rupture effects.

What you’ll learn:

• How to understand which issues influence the design, selection and application of space-grade LDOs

Notes:

The discussion that follows this article points to related articles.

View the Source

Author & Publication:

Rajan Bedi, EADS Astrium, EDN, Mar 26 2014

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