Low Power DCDC Converter Based on Automotive-Grade Components Featuring Maximum SEE Immunity

The new-space market expects significantly reduced price of space borne equipment while still maintaining high performance and reliability. One significant factor is to reduce recurring parts costs by using components in lower quality such as automotive-grade. Since those parts are not designed for the space environment, radiation effects have to be considered even more than when using space-grade components. For short in-orbit durations or in LEO orbits the total ionizing dose (TID) value might be quite low and uncritical. However, single event effects (SEE) are severe even for such applications. This paper presents the design of a low-power DCDC converter (5 V, 2.5 A output) based on automotive parts and optimized for maximum SEE immunity.