ADVANCED ANALOG
HIGH RELIABILITY RADIATION
TOLERANT DC/DC CONVERTERS
Description
The L-Series of DC/DC converters are radiation tolerant, high reliability devices designed for moderate radiation environments such as those encountered by low
earth orbit satellites and launch vehicles. For higher
radiation environments, the G-Series of DC/DC converters is recommended. Features include small size,
low weight and a high tolerance to total ionizing dose,
single event effects and environmental stresses such as
temperature extremes, mechanical shock, and vibration.
All components are fully derated to meet the requirements of MIL-STD-975 and MIL-STD-1547 and GSFC
PPL-21 Appendix B. Extensive documentation including Radiation Susceptibility, Thermal Analysis, Stress
Analysis and MTBF are available.
The converters incorporate a fixed frequency single forward topology with magnetic feedback and an internal
EMI filter. These converters are capable of meeting the
conducted emissions and conducted susceptibility requirements of MIL-STD-461C without any additional
components. All models include an external inhibit port
and have an adjustable output voltage. They are enclosed in a hermetic 1.5" x 2.3" x 0.425" steel package
and weigh less than 85 grams. The package utilizes
rugged ceramic feed-through copper core pins and is
sealed using parallel seam welding.
Full environmental screening includes temperature cycling, constant acceleration, fine and gross leak, and
burn-in.
Non-flight versions of the L-Series converters are available for system development purposes. Variations in
electrical specifications and screening to meet custom
requirements can be accommodated.
+ 28V Input, Single/Dual Output
Features
n Total Dose > 25K Rad(Si)
n SEE > 37 MeV.cm
n Internal EMI filter; Converter Capable of
meeting MIL-STD-461C CE03 and CS01
n Low Weight, < 85 grams
n Magnetically Coupled Feedback
n 16V to 50V DC Input Range
n Up to 25W Output Power
n Single and Dual Output Models Include
3.3, 5, 12, 15,
n High Efficiency - to 82%
n -55°C to +125°C Operating Temperature
Range
n 100M
n Under-Voltage Lockout
n Short Circuit and Overload Protection
n Output Over Voltage Limiter
n Adjustable Output Voltage
n External Inhibit
n 1,500,000 Hour MTBF
Ω @ 500VDC Isolation
2
/mg
±5, ±12 and ±15V
Applications
n Low Earth Orbit Satellites (LEO)
n Launch Vehicles
www.irf.com1
08/20/02
L-SERIES
Circuit Description
The L-Series converters utilize a single-ended forward topology with resonant reset. The nominal
switching frequency is 500kHz. Electrical isolation
and tight output regulation are achieved through the
use of a magnetically coupled feedback. Voltage
feed-forward with duty factor limiting provides high
line rejection and protection against output over voltage in the event of an internal control loop failure.
This mechanism limits the maximum output voltage
to approximately 20% over the nominal regardless of
the line voltage.
An internal EMI filter allows the converter to meet the
conducted emissions requirements of MIL-STD-461C
on the input power leads. A single-stage output filter
reduces the typical output ripple to less than 50mV
peak-to-peak.
Output current is limited under any load fault condition to approximately 125% of rated. An overload
condition causes the converter output to behave like
a constant current source with the output voltage dropping below nominal. The converter will resume normal operation when the load current is reduced below the current limit point. This protects the converter
from both overload and short circuit conditions. The
current limit point exhibits a slightly negative temperature coefficient to reduce the possibility of thermal runaway.
An external inhibit port is provided to control converter operation. The converter’s operation is inhibited when this pin is pulled low. It is intended to be
driven by an open collector logic device. The pin
may be left open for normal operation and has a
nominal open circuit voltage of 10.5V with respect to
the input return (pin 2).
The output voltage of all models can be adjusted
using a single external resistor.
Design Methodology
The L-Series was developed using a proven conservative design methodology which includes selecting radiation tolerance and established reliability components and fully derating to the requirements
of MIL-STD-975 and MIL-STD-1547. Heavy derating of the power MOSFET gate and drain voltages
minimize the possibility of SEGR and SEB. A magnetic feedback circuit is utilized instead of opto-couplers to minimize temperature, radiation and aging
sensitivity. PSPICE was used extensively to predict
and optimize circuit performance for both beginning
and end-of-life. Thorough design analyses include
Radiation Susceptibility ( TREE ), Stress, Ther mal,
and Reliability ( MTBF ).
2www.irf.com
L-SERIES
Absolute Maximum RatingsRecommended Operating Conditions
Input voltage range - -0.5Vdc to +60Vdc Input voltage range - 16Vdc to +60Vdc
Output power - Internally limited Input voltage range
1
- 16Vdc to +38Vdc
Lead temperature - +300°C for 10 seconds Output power - 0 to Max. Rated
Operating temperature - -55°C to +135°C Operating temperature
Storage temperature - -55°C to +135°C Operating temperature