Rad-hard voltage regulators for use in space introduced by International Rectifier
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., 7 Dec. 2012. International Rectifier in El Segundo, Calif., is introducing high-current, ultra-low-dropout (ULDO) radiation-hardened hybrid linear voltage regulators for space applications such as satellites and launch vehicles.
The power electronics parts, which are available in Standard Microcircuit Drawings (SMD), are certified by the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) for land and maritime applications.
The parts also are included in International Rectifier's Radiation Hardness Assurance (RHA) program certified by the DLA Land and Maritime division (formerly DSCC) that guarantees radiation performance down to the component level.
The space-screened devices, designed for point-of-load and post DC-DC power conversion, offer a low dropout voltage of 0.4 volts at a 3-amp load.
They are available in two industry standard package styles -- a 5-pin MO-078AA and an 8-pin flat pack -- each with several lead bend options.
The regulators feature a silicon on insulator (SOI) CMOS regulator IC, latch-up and SEU immunity with LET of 84 MeV.cm2/mg, as well as TID rating of 300 Krad(Si) and ELDRS testing in excess of 100 Krad(Si) with negligible effect on regulation tolerance.
In addition, the devices provide fast transient response, timed latch-off over-current protection, internal thermal protection, and on/off control via shutdown pin.
For more information contact International Rectifier online at www.irf.com, or the DLA part sheet at www.landandmaritime.dla.mil/Downloads/MilSpec/Smd/10235.pdf.
John Keller | Editor
John Keller is editor-in-chief of Military & Aerospace Electronics magazine, which provides extensive coverage and analysis of enabling electronic and optoelectronic technologies in military, space, and commercial aviation applications. A member of the Military & Aerospace Electronics staff since the magazine's founding in 1989, Mr. Keller took over as chief editor in 1995.
