Extremely Lightweight and Ultra-Low Noise Isolated DC-DC Converters

Polaris Semiconductor has pioneered a voltage regulator technology that can raise and lower DC voltage with zero electromagnetic interference (EMI), an extremely compact footprint and high efficiency. This overcomes long-standing pain-points associated with incumbent solutions based on switching regulators, including drawbacks associated with conducted and radiated EMI, high component count, large footprint and excessive weight. This project will support targeted R&D that builds upon our existing technology to develop a high input voltage (≥28V), high output current (≥1A) and high efficiency version of our voltage regulator, including high tolerance to radiation (>1Mrad TID) and the possibility for galvanic isolation of the input and output without requiring a transformer. Our technology is based upon a novel linear voltage regulator architecture featuring a unique monolithic optocoupler (MLOC) component, which converts voltage using photons with unprecedented efficiency. This allows our device to break the fundamental efficiency limits for a linear voltage regulator, achieving functionality presently only available using switching approaches. Our Phase I project used modeling and experimental studies to develop key aspects of the MLOC component to increase efficiency and extend its use to higher voltages and higher powers. In Phase II, these results will be used to build a new generation of improved MLOCs and, in conjunction with the highly radiation tolerant SOI MESFET linear regulator technology developed by RF Micropower, we will build the first ever compact, packaged prototypes of our technology. We will demonstrate DC voltage regulator components with a range of up-conversion and down-conversion combinations to meet our end user’s needs for extremely low-noise, rad-hard point-of-load regulators with minimal footprint. We will also use our unique, patented isolated voltage regulator designs that enable isolation without using transformers, dramatically improving SWaP-C over incumbents, as well as offering zero EMI generation and competitive efficiency. This is crucial for applications with the most demanding noise and safety requirements. Our research will employ the unique semiconductor design, development and applications expertise of Polaris Semiconductor, world-class research facilities of OSU, and leading foundry partners to build disruptive prototypes. If we are successful, our technology will enable a five-fold reduction in footprint and component count over existing switching-based solutions for DC-DC conversion whilst achieving high efficiency, unbeatable RF-silent performance, and high intrinsic radiation tolerance for harsh space environments.