DC-DC Converters & Signal Processors | Teledyne HiRel Electronics

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Features

dc-dc power conversion qualified for space satellite and defense platform power bus architectures
A selection of products are radiation tolerant, with Total Ionizing Dose test data for select products
Signal processing integration supporting power subsystem monitoring, control, and fault management
Hermetic ceramic and metal packaging for space qualification outgassing and environmental requirements
Qualification to MIL-PRF-38534 Class H, MIL-PRF-38535 Class B/Q/V, and MIL-STD-883
Custom SCD qualification flows available for program-specific screening and reliability requirements

Benefits

A selection of dc-dc converter designs are radiation tolerant, supporting power subsystem regulation requirements over mission lifetimes
Hermetic packaging protects converter integrity against contamination, moisture, and outgassing in space environments
Integrated signal processing capability reduces component count and PCB area in space power module designs
TID test data for select products supports radiation assurance documentation for program compliance and parts approval
QML qualification provides program teams with the traceability and process documentation required
Custom SCD screening allows programs to balance qualification rigor with cost and schedule constraints

Applications

Satellite bus power conditioning and distribution requiring qualified dc-dc conversion
Defense platform power supply units requiring qualified, screened dc-dc conversion components
Launch vehicle avionics and guidance system power regulation subsystems
Deep-space and planetary mission power subsystems requiring long-life, hermetically packaged converters
Avionics power conditioning in military and civil aircraft requiring qualified components
Ground station power systems requiring high-reliability conversion with documented qualification traceability

Specifications

Function: dc-dc power conversion and signal processing
Radiation support: Total Ionizing Dose test data for select products
Qualification levels: MIL-PRF-38534 Class H, MIL-PRF-38535 Class B/Q/V, MIL-STD-883, Space COTS
Packaging: Hermetic ceramic, metal, hybrid module; bare die available for module integration
Custom screening: Custom SCD flows available to program reliability and cost requirements
Certifications: AS9100C, ISO 9001:2015, ITAR Registered, DOD DMEA Trusted Supplier

FAQ

What is a DC-DC converter and how is it used in space and defense power systems?

• A DC-DC converter transforms an input DC voltage to a different output DC voltage -- stepping up (boost), stepping down (buck), or inverting.

• In satellites, DC-DC converters regulate the primary bus voltage to the lower voltages required by digital, analog, and RF subsystem components.

• In defense platforms, DC-DC converters condition vehicle bus voltages to the requirements of electronic equipment.

What radiation effects must DC-DC converters tolerate in space applications?

• Total Ionizing Dose accumulates over mission lifetime, potentially shifting threshold voltages and increasing leakage in CMOS control circuitry.

• Single Event Effects can cause upsets in digital control logic or latch-up in semiconductor structures.

• GaN-based power stages have inherent radiation tolerance advantages over silicon.

Are TID test reports available for Teledyne HiRel DC-DC converters?

• Yes. TID test data is available for applicable space-grade DC-DC converter products on request.

• TID reports support space program radiation assurance documentation requirements.

• Custom qualification sequences can incorporate radiation test steps for specific mission environments.

What qualification standards apply to Teledyne HiRel DC-DC converters?

• MIL-PRF-38534 Class H, MIL-PRF-38535 Class B/Q/V, and MIL-STD-883 qualification available.

• Space COTS qualification for commercial space programs with cost and schedule constraints.

• Custom SCD flows for program-specific screening requirements.

What packaging options are available for DC-DC converters?

• Hermetic ceramic and metal packaging for space and high-reliability defense applications.

• Hybrid module formats combine converter components in integrated packages for compact power subsystem designs.

• Bare die formats for hybrid and multi-chip module assembly.

What is the significance of signal processor integration in a power IC?

• Integrated signal processors perform output voltage telemetry, over-current protection, soft-start, and enable/disable control.

• Integration reduces the number of separate components, decreasing board area and potential failure points.

• Fewer components directly improves system reliability in space power subsystems.

How does Teledyne HiRel support custom qualification for DC-DC converter programs?

• Custom SCD development engages program teams to agree tailored screening steps aligned to reliability and cost objectives.

• The Milpitas facility supports shake, rattle and roll, thermal, and electrical test requirements.

• Customer-furnished converter assemblies and wafers can be incorporated into the qualification and test flow.

What efficiency and regulation parameters should engineers consider when selecting DC-DC converters?

• Conversion efficiency determines heat loss; higher efficiency reduces thermal management requirements.

• Load regulation specifies how output voltage varies with load current.

• Line regulation specifies how output voltage varies with input voltage -- critical where bus voltage varies with battery state of charge.

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DC-DC Converter Topology Selection for Space and Defense

Common topologies used in space and defense applications include buck (step-down), boost (step-up), buck-boost, and isolated types including flyback, forward, and full-bridge. Isolated topologies are preferred where galvanic isolation is required. Non-isolated buck converters are common for point-of-load regulation where input and output share a common ground.

Key DC-DC Converter Selection Parameters

• Input voltage range: must encompass the full bus voltage variation including battery charge/discharge cycles

• Output voltage and current: must match load requirements including worst-case transient steps

• Conversion efficiency: determines heat dissipation and prime power consumption in constrained power budgets

• Switching frequency: higher frequency reduces passive component size but increases switching losses

• Regulation accuracy: output voltage tolerance over line, load, and temperature variations

• Radiation tolerance: TID and SEE performance must match the mission radiation environment

Space Power System Architecture

A typical satellite power system uses a primary bus (28V or 50V nominal) derived from solar panels regulated through a power conditioning unit. Point-of-load DC-DC converters then step down the bus voltage to the 3.3V, 5V, or 12V rails required by digital, analog, and RF subsystem components. Minimizing conversion stages and maximizing efficiency at each stage conserves prime power.

Signal Processor Integration Benefits

• Output voltage telemetry: enables spacecraft housekeeping monitoring of supply rail voltages

• Over-current protection: automatic shutdown or current limiting on fault conditions without external components

• Soft-start sequencing: controlled output voltage ramp-up reduces inrush current on power-up

• Enable/disable control: allows the spacecraft computer to manage power domain sequencing

• These integrated functions reduce external component count, board area, and potential failure points in space power subsystems