SBIR-STTR Award

The new single-stage high step-down ratio/high power handling/high current capable solid-state power DC/DC converters will substantially increase the power density of radiation-resistant DC/DC converters. This new converter has the potential to boast power densities 3 – 5 times current state-of-the-art, while reaching radiation hardness unobtainable by conventional magnetic based solutions. This would directly lead to substantial improvements to current spacecraft power management and power conversion capabilities. We are proposing to a technology capable of meeting the needs of modern low-voltage high current sources necessary for low voltage processors and FPGA cores. The new technology promises to enable new standards on high-density extremely radiation-resistant (e.g. radiation MDA HAENS) converters.

Benefit:
The new technology is poised to capture a sizable portion of the between $100-200M power markets within North America. However, the commercialization transition onto weapon platform and space systems is of primary interest. Near term we will also be looking at embedding and integrating on products such as Proton 200K and 300K SBCs. Additionally, this new converter would have an immediate application in commercial down-conversion applications for common mobile electronics, due to the high efficiency and compact size, this “green” technology could have a direct COTS makeover that could substantially reduce size and weight while greatly increasing the efficiency of modern lap-top, cell phone, and mobile power chargers.

Keywords:
High Power Density, Space Systems Power, Rad Hard Capabilities, Dc/Dc Converters, Compact Packaging, Large Current Handling

The proposed program will provide three important products to the space electronics community: [A] An extremely rad-hard (estimated >3Mrad) high isolation and processor-free converter that can provide an (unregulated) intermediary voltage that can supply 6V/20V at 25W/40W respectively. [B] An extremely rad hard high isolation and processor-free converter that can provide an unregulated intermediary high voltage that can supply 120V/2000V at 120W/500W respectively. [C] A multi-output two-stage tightly regulated, rad-hard (estimated >0.6Mrad), voltage controller providing power for both low-voltage CMOS components (e.g. 1.2V) and ancillary devices such as A/D, D/A components (e.g. ±15V).

Benefit:
The ability of Ceramic Core technology to provide large step-down ratio ‘at power’ and high efficiency provides the first ceramics technology that can realistically replace cell-phone and laptop AC/DC adaptors in smaller, more highly efficient modules. The Phase I technology is already being hardware evaluated by Defense Primes for munitions and radio (SDR) applications.

Keywords:
Very Rad-Hard, Spacecraft Power System, Ceramic Dc/Dc Converters, Two-Stage Dc/Dc Converters, Point-Of-Use Power, Ppmad, Electrical Power System, Large Voltage Step-Down Ratio