Wide Temperature Rad-Hard ASIC for Process Control of a Fuel Cell System

Ridgetop Group developed a top-level design of a rad-hard application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for spacecraft power management that is functional over a temperature range of -180 to +130 oC. This ASIC is intended to work in conjunction with a fuel cell power system and battery backup to provide uninterrupted power to critical modules in space. Ridgetop has designed a novel integrated circuit for the power management of space systems. This design combines custom circuit modules with silicon-proven IP to create a system-on-chip solution. This application will be a single monolithic circuit designed for fabrication on the IBM 5AM SiGe process. The significance of this innovation is a single reliable component (ASIC) that will meet platform requirements for high voltage, wide operating temperature range, and radiation tolerance (minimum 100 krads total ionizing dose (TID), and 100 MeVcm2/mg single-event latchup (SEL)). Ridgetop has been working with a prime contractor to identify and flow-down mission requirements for the power management ASIC. During Phase 2, a final prototype unit will be fabricated to these specifications, and units will be packaged, tested, and silicon validation results will be produced. Estimated TRL at beginning and end of Phase 2 contract: Begin: 3, End: 6

Ridgetop has met with officials at Ballard Power systems to discuss the fit of this advanced technology into the next generation of fuel cells for ground-based and aircraft-based applications. The technology will be directly applicable to the alternative energy generation and addresses automotive markets, satellites, and portable fuel cells. In the electric vehicle market, stacks of fuel cells or batteries are used to power the drive motors. These fuel cell stacks, coupled with the technology from this SBIR Program, would be the ideal application for the work products from this program. Power management is essential during use, refueling, or battery recharging.

The proposed technology will provide numerous tangible benefits to space vehicle programs, including; (1) lower power draw, (2) higher reliability, and (3) lower mass. Commercial applications include power management systems for remotely located telecom switches requiring critical, uninterrupted power management. Platforms include lunar and deep space exploration vehicles, International Space Station, and Ice-Penetrating Radar for Mars, Europa, and Ganymede Orbiter Missions.

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