A Radiation Hardened, Digitally Controlled Single-Inductor Multiple-Output (SIMO) Buck Regulator

In response to NASA SBIR topic S3.08 Command, Data Handling, and Electronics (SBIR), Alphacore Inc. will develop a single-inductor, multiple output (SIMO) high-efficiency point of load (POL) DC-DC converter. We have code-named this exciting technology ldquo;POLESTARrdquo; (Point of Load converter with high Efficiency, SIMO architecture and Tolerance Against Radiation). The technology has excellent commercial potential.For typical NASA missions, both mass and power consumption and wide temperature operation is a critical need. Especially for missions requiring mobility, overall SWaP as well as volume is dominated by motor drive and associated electronics. In the Phase II of this project, Alphacore Inc., will design, fabricate and test a buck DC-DC converter that can directly convert voltages from 11V to 36V, down to multiple required power rails ranging from 1.5V to 5V, while supporting at least 10A of current to the load. In the Phase I program, Alphacore Inc. designed a digitally intensive, high-efficiency, radiation hard, hybrid GaN/CMOS integrated single controller, enabling single-inductor multiple output (SIMO) operation. The developed controller enabled a reduced component count, enabling reduced failure modes, lower PCB area. This solution includes all controller circuitry and drivers integrated in a single CMOS ASIC chip, as well as the GaN-based primary DC-DC converterrsquo;s power stage in a single module. The hybrid module is planned to have a small form factor, namely 15mm x 15mm x 4mm that can generate 4 supply rails all from a single module. nbsp;