International Rectifier Introduces Radiation-Tolerant 'Building Block' DC-DC Converters for Low Earth Orbit and Launch Vehicle Power Systems

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. February 2003 - International Rectifier, IR® (NYSE: IRF), today introduces the M3L28 family of standard, off-the-shelf, radiation-tolerant DC-to-DC converter "building blocks" that address space industry demand for shorter design cycles and less costly design analyses.

The M3L DC-DC converters feature high reliability, and are designed for extended operation in moderate radiation environments. The converters are designed to operate without performance or power de-rating under the temperature extremes of -55°C to +125°C. The mechanical design has been characterized and qualified to absorb the mechanical shock and vibration normally encountered during launch and is suitable for low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and launch vehicles.

The new converters are targeted for point-of-load regulation for power systems, and feature hybrid assembly technology, to minimize size and weight. The products are available in the most common input voltage of 28V, with standard output voltages of 3.3V, 5V, 12V and 15V for single output models, and ±5V, ±12V and ±15V for dual-output models. The converters include an input EMI filter that is capable of meeting the conducted emissions and conducted susceptibility requirements of MIL-STD-461C.

All components are stress de-rated to meet the requirements of MIL-STD-975, MIL-STD-1547 and GSFC PPL-21. Radiation test data, which includes TID, SEE, neutron and prompt dose, are available upon request. International Rectifier currently does not have a DSCC certified Radiation Hardness Assurance Program.

Rad-Tolerant DC-DC Converters

Tiva Bussarakons, Director of Marketing, International Rectifier's Santa Clara Facility said, "Our products have an established radiation and reliability heritage. The new M3L28 converters come from the same lineage as our existing and very successful, space-qualified components and circuit designs. In addition, we use the industry standard de-rating guidelines of MIL-STD-975 and MIL-STD-1547, which are conservative and allow only components with a known reliability to be used."

Key Specifications

  • TID (total ionizing dose) > 25krad
  • SEE > 37 MeV-cm2/mg
  • MIL-STD-461C, CE03 and CS01 compliance
  • Weight < 85 grams
  • Operating temp: -55°C to +125°C
  • TTL compatible ON/OFF command
  • Outline dimensions: 2.3"L x 1.5"W x 0.405"H

PartNumber1, 3 V1
(V)
I1
(A)
V2
(V)
I2
(A)
Regulation2
(%)
Power Out
M3L2803S 3.3 6.06 - - 1 20W
M3L2805S 5 5 - - 1 25W
M3L2812S 12 2.08 - - 1 25W
M3L2815S 15 1.67 - - 1 25W
M3L2805D +5 4 -5 4 1 25W
M3L2812D +12 2.08 -12 2.08 1 25W
M3L2815D +15 1.33 -15 1.33 1 25W
    Notes:
  1. MTBF for all devices is 5×106 hours, 35°C case, space flight
  2. Load current split equally between outputs for dual output models.
  3. For dual output models, the total output power is 25W. The output current must be distributed such that at least 20% of the total load current is being provided by one of the outputs.

Availability and Pricing

Samples and flight units are available now. The M3L28xxS is US $2,650 each and the M3L28xxD is US $2,675 each in 50-lot quantities. This product is subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations.



For more information:

Contact the Technical Assistance Center or your local Sales Rep.

High Resolution JPEGs are available in the Press Room.

';