Universal BIST/Prognostics Approach for Switch Mode Power Supplies

This proposal provides an easily-adopted method of adding built-in self test (BIST) and prognostics to PWM-type switching power supplies.Switch mode power supplies (SMPS) provide significant advantages to users in terms of conversion efficiency, weight, and size. According to Industry Analysts, over $7.7 Billion of SMPS Power Systems were produced worldwide in 2002.However, SMPS's have unique reliability issues when used within a system due to size constraints, heat dissipation and varying load conditions. The internal components, including the Power Switch (MOSFET or IGBT), catch diode, capacitors, and magneticsare under repetitive stress conditions that contribute to elevated failure rates. Often the SMPS is considered the most vulnerable and weakest part of a system, and having an early indication of an impending failure, through Prognostics, would be veryuseful information and critical to mission success. Prognostics also supports Health-based maintenance (HBM) and condition-based maintenance (CBM) strategies, saving valuable time and money.There is also a mandate by the DoD to have contractors utilize more Commercial Off-the-shelf (COTS) components for projects such as with the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). Having a Universal BIST/Prognostics Approach could offer considerable value to the DoDas well as commercial consumers of SMPS's.