Reliable Electronics for Space Turbo-Brayton Cryocoolers

Our overall objective is to improve the performance of turbo-Brayton space cryocoolers by reducing mass and increasing reliability in high-radiation environments. To achieve this objective, we will develop and demonstrate advanced cryocooler compressor drive and control electronics suitable for high radiation space applications. Our technical objectives are to: (1) incorporate components which are hardened to 300 krad Total Ionizing Dose (TID) and immune to Single Event Upsets (SEUs); (2) utilize advanced hybrid microelectronic circuits to substantially reduce size and mass compared with currently available designs; and (3) produce a scalable, build-to-print design philosophy that will simplify and reduce the cost of future cryocooler development programs. This effort addresses the stated topic need for improved manufacturability, producibility, and reliability of space cryogenic coolers. In Phase I, we demonstrated the feasibility of this approach with a comprehensive design study. In Phase II, we will: (1) complete development of the radiation hardened electronics by designing and building a brassboard prototype using discrete components; (2) fabricate and test an engineering model; and (3) evaluate the engineering model with laboratory verification tests and radiation immunity tests.