Designing a power system to support today’s sensitive RF systems is a complex challenge, particularly in space-based applications. These systems are integral to satellite communications, remote sensing and navigation and demand an environment free from electromagnetic interference and noise. These specifications add further complexity to power system design.
The need to provide clean and stable power poses one of the primary challenges. Power supplies inherently generate parasitic noise and ripple, which can couple into RF circuits, degrading their signal integrity and overall performance. In the vacuum of space, conventional grounding and shielding techniques are less effective, necessitating solutions such as differential signaling, advanced filtering and meticulous circuit layout to contain stray emissions.
A further obstacle is the harsh space environment, where power systems must withstand extreme temperatures, radiation and the absence of convection cooling. Components face threats such as radiation-induced upsets, latch-ups and long-term degradation, requiring the use of radiation-hardened parts and system redundancy for resilience. Weight and efficiency are also crucial, so spacecraft have strict mass and power limitations.
Infineon has over 50 years of experience with rad-hard RF and power systems. Its family of rad-hard R9 MOSFETs uses a superjunction design architecture and patented hermetic ceramic packaging, making it more resilient to radiation effects while maintaining efficiency. More recently, Infineon released the first internally fabricated, rad-hard GaN transistor to obtain DLA certification. Combining the inherently radiation-resistant qualities of GaN with Infineon’s circuit design, they are paving the way for more efficient and reliable power systems in space.
International Rectifier HiRel Products, Inc., an Infineon Technologies Company
Andover, Mass.
www.infineon.com/products/high-reliability/space
