38th Microelectronics Workshop (MEWS38)
Vicor radiation-tolerant power modules enable the ideal Power Delivery Network (PDN) for today’s satellites
Scalable, redundant power delivery for autonomous decision making while on-orbit
High power and current density
High efficiency
Low noise
Internal redundancy
Optimizing performance and redundancy for AI and machine learning applications
Optimizing performance and redundancy for AI and machine learning applications
High-performance connectivity
LEO and MEO satellites are equipped with breakthrough digital payload electronics and require high-density, high-efficiency, low-noise power delivery networks (PDNs), particularly for their advanced networking ASICs. These power delivery solutions must also be tolerant to both TID (total ionizing dose) radiation and SEE (single event effects).
Ideal power delivery
Vicor radiation-tolerant power modules enable the ideal Power Delivery Network (PDN) for today’s LEO and MEO satellites, providing high efficiency, high density, low-noise voltage conversion to power advanced network communication ASICs and processors to provide on orbit decision-making.
High performance power modules optimized for high current delivery
High density
By delivering high-density power with minimal footprint, real-time processing is possible while maintaining reliable space operations.
High efficiency
Vicor Factorized Power Architecture allows for voltage transformation to occur as close to the processor as possible, significantly reducing distribution losses to best serve onboard processors with demanding low-voltage, high-current requirements.
Scalability
Modular power delivery networks adapt to varying satellite sizes and mission profiles. This compact power design allows for seamless integration across different spacecraft and supports long-term sustainability, optimizing performance as space technology evolves.
Low noise
Low noise zero-current and zero-voltage switching reduce electrical interference. Minimizing unwanted signals enhances signal integrity, allowing AI-driven satellites to process data accurately and quickly.
Dual powertrain, fault-tolerant modules
Single event functional interrupt (SEFI) immunity is achieved using a redundant architecture in each module, where two identical and parallel powertrains with fault-tolerant control ICs are housed in a single, high-density module. If one power path is disrupted, its protection circuits force a power-off-reset. The second seamlessly maintains full operation until the reset interval is complete and both powertrains are operating in parallel again. This redundant design strengthens long-term stability, enabling AI-driven satellites to function autonomously and efficiently in space.
Vicor Factorized Power Architecture, the ideal point-of-load power system
Factorized Power Architecture (FPA) factorizes power from the traditional single-function DC-DC converter into two distinct functions and power modules: a pre-regulation module, a PRM and a voltage transformation module, a VTM. The power switching topologies and control systems of each module are optimized for low noise and power losses, with zero-current and zero-voltage switching. The PRM and VTM components have high density, high efficiency, low noise operation and factorization allows the VTM to be placed close to the load minimizing board losses in high current applications.
Complete radiation-tolerant COTS solution
Our radiation-tolerant COTS source-to-point-of-load power delivery simplifies design by integrating the full power chain, from high-voltage bus input to low-voltage conversion, enabling faster time to market, reduced system cost, and maximized board space with compact, flight-ready components.
BCM3423 bus converter module
Isolated fixed-ratio
Input: 100V (94 – 105V, 120V transient)
Output: 33V (31 – 35V)
Power: 400W
K factor: 1/3
Peak efficiency: 96%
33.5 x 23.1 x 7.4mm
26g
50krad, 35MeV•cm2/mg
PRM2919 regulator module
Non-isolated regulated
Input: 33V (30 – 36V)
Output: 25V (13.4 – 35V)
Power: 200W
Current: IOUT 7.69A
Peak efficiency: 97.5%
29.2 x 19.0 x 7.4mm
18.2g
50krad, 35MeV•cm2/mg
VTM2919 0.8V, 150A voltage transformation module
Isolated fixed-ratio
Input: 25V (13.4 – 35V)
Output: 0.42 – 1.1V
Current: 150A
K factor: 1/32
Peak efficiency: 94.3%
29.2 x 19.0 x 4.9mm
13.3g
50krad, 35MeV•cm2/mg
VTM2919 3.3V, 50A voltage transformation module
Isolated fixed-ratio
Input: 25V (16 – 32V)
Output: 2 – 3.8V
Current: 50A
K factor: 1/8
Peak efficiency: 94%
29.2 x 19.0 x 5.5mm
11g
50krad, 35MeV•cm2/mg
Proven and trusted supplier
For over 40 years Vicor has designed and manufactured its innovative and award-winning power modules in the United States. Our fabrication facility in Andover, Massachusetts, is vertically integrated, enabling us to have greater control of the entire manufacturing lifecycle process, ensuring quality and reducing the risk of supply chain interruptions.
Resources
Resources for the design engineer
Power delivery networks for New Space
Space is an unforgiving environment demanding flawless reliability. Vicor radiation-tolerant power modules are proven to withstand the rigors of New Space
DC-DC converters for NewSpace applications
Smaller satellites harvest less energy using a modular approach to minimize I2R distribution losses, maximize efficiency and improve transient response
For New Space satellites, radiation tolerance means new design hurdle
Vicor power modules are power dense, reliable and scalable. Furthermore, there are multiple benefits of soft switching in radiation-tolerant power systems
