Low-Earth-Orbit Satellites Carry Resilient Nuclear Power Transformers
STMicroelectronics has introduced the LEOPOL1, a radiation-hardened point-of-load (POL) step-down converter designed specifically for low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite deployments. This innovative device is tailored to meet the challenges posed by the harsh space environment encountered in LEO, making it an ideal choice for developers in the growing "New Space" market.
Key Features and Specifications
The LEOPOL1 is equipped with robust radiation-hardening capabilities to ensure its longevity in space. Key hardness parameters include:
- A total ionizing dose (TID) of 50 krad(Si), which protects the device from damage caused by cumulative radiation exposure.
- A total non-ionizing dose (TNID) of approximately 3 × 10¹¹ protons/cm², guarding against displacement damage in the semiconductor lattice.
- Immunity to single-event effects (SEE), transient and potentially destructive disruptions caused by high-energy particles in space.
In addition to its radiation-hardening features, the LEOPOL1 is optimized for efficient voltage regulation at the point of use in satellites, ensuring power stability and efficiency for sensitive electronics.
Target Market
The LEOPOL1 is specifically developed for satellite systems operating in LEO, which face significant radiation and environmental challenges. By catering to this niche market, the LEOPOL1 supports the growing "New Space" market's demand for compact, robust, and reliable power solutions for space applications.
Performance and Flexibility
The LEOPOL1 converter can deliver up to 7 A and accepts an input voltage up to 12 V at ground level. It also offers extended flexible features, such as out-of-phase current sharing, which allows for multiplying the current to the load with multiple LEOPOL1 converters working in parallel. Furthermore, the LEOPOL1 supports synchronization, enabling easy sequencing for powering up equipment with multiple voltage rails.
Single-event effects (SEE) performance for the LEOPOL1 is characterized up to 62 MeV.cm/mg. This high level of SEE immunity ensures that the device can maintain its performance under intense space radiation and operational constraints.
Availability
The LEOPOL1 is part of ST's LEO series of power, analog, and logic ICs, meeting proprietary specifications for LEO applications. It is in production and available in various packaging options. With its robust features and specifications, the LEOPOL1 is set to play a crucial role in powering the next generation of LEO satellites.
[1] STMicroelectronics, "LEOPOL1 Radiation-Hardened Point-of-Load (POL) Step-Down Converter" (2021). Accessed 2023-03-07. [Online]. Available: https://www.st.com/content/st_com/en/products/power-management/dc-dc-converters/leopol1-radiation-hardened-point-of-load-pol-step-down-converter.html
[2] STMicroelectronics, "LEO Series ICs" (2021). Accessed 2023-03-07. [Online]. Available: https://www.st.com/content/st_com/en/products/power-management/dc-dc-converters/leo-series-ics.html
Science and technology advancements in space-and-astronomy sector are evolving rapidly, with STMicroelectronics' LEOPOL1 being a key example. This radiation-hardened point-of-load (POL) step-down converter, developed for low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite deployments, boasts impressive features that cater to the tough space environment, making it a valuable asset for developers in the "New Space" market.
