A report describes two radiation-hard application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) that constitute a mixed-signal chip set that performs all the control functions for a power-converter module (PCM) in a spacecraft power-supply system. One of these ASICs serves mainly as a pulse-width modulation (PWM) controller for the circuitry on the primary side of a transformer in the module; the other ASIC is mainly a synchronous rectifier controller (SRC) for the circuitry on the secondary side of the transformer.
This work was done by Barbara Lam, Clint Kwa, David Zhu, Gene Wester, Gregory Carr, John Bennett, Lauro Franco, David Hogue, Pete Skelly, and Russ Haskell of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. To obtain a copy of the report, “Pulse Width Modulator and Synchronous Rectifier Controller ASIC,” access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.nasatech.com/tsp under the Electronic Components & Systems category.
NPO-30281
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
PWM and Synchronous Rectifier Controller ASICs
(reference NPO-30281) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document is a technical support package from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) detailing the development of two radiation-hard application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) designed for use in spacecraft power supply systems. These ASICs form a mixed-signal chip set that performs all control functions for a power-converter module (PCM), which is critical for managing power in space environments.
The first ASIC is a pulse-width modulation (PWM) controller, which operates on the primary side of a transformer within the power-converter module. Its primary function is to regulate the output voltage by adjusting the width of the pulses in the PWM signal based on feedback from the system. This ASIC includes several important components such as a fault monitor, an isolation amplifier, and an error amplifier, which collectively ensure that the PWM signal is accurately controlled in response to error signals generated by the PCM.
The second ASIC is a synchronous rectifier controller (SRC), which is responsible for managing the circuitry on the secondary side of the transformer. This ASIC is equipped with a telemetry amplifier, voltage comparators, a high-voltage amplifier, and multiple error amplifiers. These components allow the SRC to sense output voltage and current, as well as to drive the isolation amplifier in the PWM ASIC, thereby facilitating efficient power conversion.
Both ASICs are designed to withstand severe environmental conditions, specifically targeting the challenges posed by space missions, such as high radiation levels. The document highlights that the development of these ASICs was motivated by the requirements of the Europa Mission, which necessitated robust and reliable power management solutions in extreme environments.
The work was carried out by a team of engineers and researchers from Caltech, under the sponsorship of NASA, and is documented in a technical report (NPO-30281). The report emphasizes the novelty of the PWM and SRC ASICs, showcasing their ability to provide comprehensive control functions for various power converter topologies while maintaining performance under harsh conditions.
Overall, this document serves as a significant contribution to aerospace technology, illustrating advancements in power management systems that are crucial for the success of future space missions.
