Space system designers cannot easily leverage conventional hybrid power converters to support non-standard voltages or add functionality. By offering a family of space-grade DC-DC power converters based on discrete components, Microchip Technology eliminates the cost, complexity, and customization challenges of such hybrid solutions. Microchip recently announced the addition of 28V input and 50 watt (W) radiation tolerance options

     "Our latest 28V input SA50-28 product greatly simplifies and accelerates system development," said Leon Gross, vice president of Microchip's Discrete Products business unit. They are easier to customize than other space-grade power converters, so they can meet specific voltage, current, and other requirements. Customers gain flexibility while reducing the volume, cost and complexity of their space system design."

     Microchip's SA50-28 series is currently the industry's only off-the-shelf 28V input, radiation-resistant power converter product. The product is based on discrete components and adopts surface mount structure and non-hybrid assembly process. The SA50-28 device with customized parameters provides more functionality than other off-the-shelf aerospace grade power converters, eliminating the volume, weight and complexity of multiple devices and surrounding circuits that come with a hybrid solution.

     Microchip's complete SA50-28 product line has input voltages ranging from 20V to 40V and power of 50W, with nine standard outputs of 3.3V, 5V, 12V, 15V and 28V in single and three-output configuration modes. Compared to hybrid power converter products, this family of devices can be customized to the strict power requirements of the system in a relatively short time and at a lower additional cost. Additional features include high efficiency, low output noise, output suppression control, overcurrent protection, external synchronization, and full constant power operation in the range -55°C to +85°C, linear derating, and operating temperature extendible to +125°C.

     The SA50-28 series is one of Microchip's growing line of standard non-hybrid aerospace grade power converters. The mature circuits of these converters have been tested in aerospace practice and can be used as commercial off-the-shelf components by aerospace application designers. These products, which are also part of the radiation-resistant SA50-120 power converter family, launched in February 2021, enable designers to rapidly scale development, starting with proven commercial-off-the-shelf technology in ceramic or plastic packaging, with lower screening levels than traditional QML requirements, thereby reducing risk and development time for qualified space systems