A Radiation Hardened, Digitally Controlled Single-Inductor Multiple-Output (SIMO) Buck Regulator

In response to NASA SBIR topic S3.08 Command, Data Handling, and Electronics (SBIR), Alphacore Inc. will develop a single-inductor, multiple output (SIMO) high-efficiency point of load (POL) DC-DC converter. We have code-named this exciting technology POLESTAR (Point of Load converter with high Efficiency, SIMO architecture and Tolerance Against Radiation). The technology has excellent commercial potential. For typical NASA missions, both mass and power consumption and wide temperature operation is a critical need. Especially for missions requiring mobility, overall SWaP as well as volume is dominated by motor drive and associated electronics. In the Phase II of this project, Alphacore Inc., will design, fabricate and test a buck DC-DC converter that can directly convert voltages from 11V to 36V, down to multiple required power rails ranging from 1.5V to 5V, while supporting at least 10A of current to the load. In the Phase I program, Alphacore Inc. designed a digitally intensive, high-efficiency, radiation hard, hybrid GaN/CMOS integrated single controller, enabling single-inductor multiple output (SIMO) operation. The developed controller enabled a reduced component count, enabling reduced failure modes, lower PCB area. This solution includes all controller circuitry and drivers integrated in a single CMOS ASIC chip, as well as the GaN-based primary DC-DC converters power stage in a single module. The hybrid module is planned to have a small form factor, namely 15mm x 15mm x 4mm that can generate 4 supply rails all from a single module. There is an increasing need of DC-DC converters capable of generating many outputs while using a single inductor. This means reducing overall mass and decreasing power used, along with increasing the volume of the payload. Multiple supply levels requiring increased PCB area, increased number of external components, and the reduced reliability for the many inductors used, becomes problematic. Alphacore Inc. will develop a single-inductor, multiple output (SIMO) high-efficiency point of load (POL) DC-DC converter, code-named “POLESTAR” (Point of Load converter with high Efficiency, SIMO architecture and Tolerance Against Radiation). In the Phase I program, Alphacore designed a digitally intensive, high-efficiency, radiation hard, hybrid GaN/CMOS integrated single controller, enabling SIMO operation. The developed controller enabled a reduced component count, enabling reduced failure modes, lower PCB area. This solution includes all controller circuitry and drivers integrated in a single CMOS ASIC chip, as well as the GaN-based primary DC-DC converter’s power stage in a single module.   Objective 1: Design and evaluate nested current-mode hysteretic 4-output SIMO converter major building blocks with a test chip Objective 2: Design and characterize an IC for closed-loop SIMO DC-DC converter Objective 3: Design and evaluate the complete high-efficiency, lightweight and radhard SIMO DC/DC converter module that meets customers’ specifications  

Alphacore’s high performance DC/DC converters will bridge the gap in spacesuits designed for deep space and surface missions. They will be suitable for smart instruments and controllers used in spacesuit life support systems for NASA’s human missions to Mars and the Deep Space Gateway missions. The proposed solution will also benefit NASA’s robotic systems such as the SPIDER and the Canadaarm3. Our solution can efficiently power up to 3 loads with a single inductor, and enable significant reduction in size and weight for future NASA platforms.   Our design is an excellent fit for key SWaP, Hi-Rel, and high-radiation applications such as cubesats, nanosats, robotics, autonomous aircrafts/spacecrafts, and constellation satellites to be operated in environments ranging from LEO to deep space and planetary missions. Other applications include defense and aerospace-related power management for controllers and smart devices as well.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.