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Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
In response to the NASA SBIR topic Z1.05-1 “Radiation-Tolerant, High-Voltage Converters for Lunar and Mars Missions”, Alphacore Inc. will develop a 1kW, 100-Vdc to 1,000-Vdc radiation-tolerant, bidirectional, high-voltage, high-gain, lightweight, high-efficiency, DC-DC converter based on a mixed-signal (analog/digital) power management integrated circuit (PMIC) driving external Wide Band Gap (WBG) gallium nitride (GaN) or silicon carbide (SiC) field effect transistors (FETs) and passive components (inductors, transformers, capacitors). Other important characteristics are wide temperature (-150 ºC to 150 ºC) operation, high power density (>2 kW/kg), and high efficiency (>96%). While WBG discrete FETs are to some degree radiation-tolerant, their control/drive integrated circuits (ICs) are not. Alphacore PMIC satisfies the need for a radiation-tolerant, high-voltage, high-gain, lightweight controller/driver of WBG power FETs. The developed PMIC will have a reduced component count, enabling reduced failure modes, and smaller area of PCB (printed circuit board). It will include over-voltage protection, fault tolerance, load monitoring, as well as allow control and status monitoring by a remote power system controller. This PMIC includes all controller circuitry and drivers integrated in a single package and drives an external WBG-based power stage.
These PMICs will bring significant value to Lunar and Planetary Surface Power Management and Distribution as well as NASA Programs and Directorates, including Aeronautics, Human Exploration, Science, Space Technology, Artemis, and Gateway, among others. The PMIC will enable NASA Decadal Strategy for Planetary Science and Astrobiology 2023-2032 per following examples. Artemis Base Camp power systems. Mars power system concepts. Lucy and Psyche solar arrays for power. Radioactive decay electric power. Future solar power generation and storage.
Target applications include high-voltage power switching and power conversion, grid power and battery chargers for electric cars. The rise in demand for telecommunications, autonomous and electric vehicles, and industrial robots is expected to be a significant driver to commercial market segments. Alphacore’s PMIC fulfills all those needs, with specifications that exceed its known competitors.
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