Rad Hard DC DC Converter

M&A Inc. proposes a DC-DC converter product development effort that incorporates several key opportunities. A core element of our program is a proven, radiation-hardened Pulse Width Modulator (PWM) Integrated Circuit (IC) design approach based on principles of rad hard by design and commercial foundry processes. The PWM IC is a key, enabling function within both isolated and non-isolated converters. We propose to update/modernize a PWM design approach that has the following radiation hardness attributes: Total Ionizing Dose (TID) hardness exceeding 1 MRad(Si) Single Event Latchup (SEL) immune (LET > 100 MeV·cm2.mg) Single Event Transients (SET) that are benign to DC-DC converter operation. Exceeds MDA requirements for high dose rate, pulsed radiation response. Neutron hardness verified to levels approaching 1013 n/cm2 Immunity to Enhanced Low Dose Rate Sensitivity (ELDRS) Our program will provide an opportunity to examine commercial design approaches that are coincidentally radiation tolerant and apply lessons learned toward a rad hard design that minimizes the typical performance gap between rad hard products and commercial products. We are also leveraging the work being done on an M&A Air Force SBIR effort to develop Strategic Rad Hard By Design rules targeting analog and power management circuit functions and associated commercial semiconductor process technologies. Our Phase I program will conduct a competitive analysis of current commercial offerings for non-rad-hard and rad-hard/space-qualified isolated DC-DC modules. We will combine that analysis with government and industry inputs to create a product specification that meets or exceeds the MDA radiation hardness and performance objectives. We will conduct a system design tradeoff analysis using high-level models to define external components, PWM controller specifications, external FETs, drivers, magnetic components, etc. Feasibility demonstration will also require identifying potential suppliers of external components and suitable process technologies for the PWM IC in order to estimate cost, footprint, size, weight and determine manufacturability. Approved for Public Release | 20-MDA-10643 (3 Dec 20)