Satellite power convertor boasts 90% efficiency

International Rectifier and Mitsubishi Electric Engineering have developed the industry's first 90% efficient all-hybrid space-level electronic power conditioner (EPC).

International Rectifier and Mitsubishi Electric Engineering have developed the industry's first 90% efficient all-hybrid space-level electronic power conditioner (EPC).

The EPC converts a satellite's primary bus voltage into well-regulated secondary output rails for the host solid-state power amplifier (SSPA), used in satellite communication systems.

The new EPC platform is 90% efficient allowing spacecraft system designers to reduce power management circuit size and weight, while meeting electrical system performance requirements, and improving overall spacecraft efficiency.

Bel Lazar, Vice-President of IR's Advanced Analogue facility stated, "The new MEE/IR EPC platform represents a significant milestone in hi-rel power hybrid management systems.

Every spacecraft designer is interested in higher efficiency per unit volume and mass.

The new EPC platform leads the industry in hybrid power density, and includes all essential power conditioning elements.

The new design platform is expected to replace less efficient, higher mass designs, and will compete favourably for future design opportunities with similar EPC requirements".

Seiji Wataya, Mitsubishi Electric Engineering Company President, commented, "By mobilising the strength of both MEE and IR, we have successfully developed the industry's highest level EPC with small dimensions, low mass, high efficiency and low noise.

Our EPC is expected to enhance high quality communication systems.

We expect to have our EPC platform devices used for many satellites in the future".

IR's new EPC platform is a full bridge topology convertor with secondary synchronous rectifiers operating at 200kHz.

Input voltage range is from 26 to 43V, with other ranges available.

Typical output power is 56W, while the main output voltage can be externally set between +6 to +8V at 8.5A.

Secondary output voltages of +5V at 0.4A and -5V at 0.4A are also available.

Increased output power can be achieved with a modified design configuration.

Additionally, custom output voltages for unique requirements are possible.

Other features of the new platform include a bus current telemetry, on/off telecommand and output sequencing circuits.

It also has built-in overcurrent protection and undervoltage lockout circuits, as well as an EMI filter to enhance performance.

All elements used within the EPC platform hybrid are Class K rated.

Performance is specified over an operating temperature range of -40 to +80C.

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