Power system consumption model using SPICE

Space missions have very stringent mass, volume and also power budgets. This requires very precise knowledge of the power consumption of the whole satellite, not only peak power but also static and long term dynamic power. This calculation becomes very complex if all the operational modes (long term dynamic changes) are taken into account, including the different environmental situations. The power budget of any Power Converter Module (PCM), which includes not only the DC/DC converter but also the distribution unit, depends on the power it delivers and on external factors like temperature and input voltage. We propose to use a linear SPICE model using electronic models of discrete component…

On the design of a high current power supply for superconducting magnet

The purpose of the article is the description, considerations of design and presentation of experimental results of a high current (1000 A) and low voltage (up to 15 V) converter for the excitement of superconducting corrector magnets in particle accelerators. The power source, which is based on a ZVT converter, presents high efficiency, small output ripple, excellent regulation of line, and fulfilment of the EMC normative (VDE 0871 A).

Small-Signal Modeling of a Controlled Transformer Parallel Regulator as a Multiple Output Converter High Efficient Post-Regulator

This paper presents a post-regulator based on the use of a controlled transformer, which adds or subtracts an additional voltage to the output filter of a converter in order to regulate its output voltage. So, their actuation is complementary to that of more known post-regulators, such as the magnetic amplifier (magamp) and synchronous switch post-regulator (SSPR), because the regulation is achieved by controlling the voltage across the filter inductor instead of its charge time. Besides, the post-regulator processes the power in parallel to the one flowing from input to output and only handles a percentage of it. The post-regulation by controlled transformer is suitable of being employed i…

A three domain controller for a high frequency high power four quadrant power converter for superconducting magnets

The paper describes the implementation of a controller that orchestrates the functioning of three subsystems that implement a high energy converter (/spl plusmn/1500 A, /spl plusmn/15 V) that supplies a superconducting magnet to be used in particle accelerators. The performance of the whole system, in accordance to specifications, is documented with experimental results.

On the design of a multiple-output DC/DC converter for the PHI experiment on-board of solar orbiter

Power converters for experiments that have to fly on board space missions (satellite, launchers, etc.) have very stringent requirements due to its use in a very harsh environment. The selection of a suitable topology is therefore not only based on standard requirements but additional more strict ones have also to be fulfilled. This work shows the design procedure followed to build the Power Converter Module (PCM) for the Polarimetric and Helioseismic Imager (SO/PHI), experiment on board the Solar Orbiter Satellite. The selected topology has been a Push-Pull, for a power level of approximately 35 W and with seven output voltages. Galvanic isolation is needed from primary to secondary, but no…

Isolated two-stage passive PFC rectifier for the Radioisotope Stirling Generator

This paper describes an isolated, passive power factor correction rectifier devised for low-voltage, large-inductance, single-phase alternator, like the one used in the Radioisotope Stirling Generator. The power converter splits into two independent stages, the front-end rectifier corrects the power factor by adding a series capacitor in the AC line. Further, the rectifier, thanks to the alternator inductance, behaves as a constant-current source that powers a current-fed, zero voltage and zero current switching push-pull stage. This approach takes advantage of all parasitic elements to increase power density while keeping simple and reliable. Full description and analysis is given as well …

Design of a power conditioning unit for a Stirling generator in space applications

The Free-Piston Stirling Generator (FPSG) is a thermal to electrical energy conversion system, based upon the thermal engine of the same name. Intensive research concerning the feasibility of the engine for its application in deep space and planetary missions has been conducted, primarily due to the potential increase in efficiency (−30%) over the currently used Radio-isotope Generators (RTGs). On the other hand, less attention has been paid to the power conditioning requirements and alternatives. The present work has investigated on the dynamics governing the FPSGs in order to assess the design requirements for the subsequent power-conditioning unit (PCU). Thereafter, two alternatives of A…

Failure Rate Measurement on Silicon Diodes Reverse Polarized at High Temperature

This paper calculates the failure rate on reversed polarized silicon diodes with the aim to justify, experimentally, the rules of the European Space Agency (ESA) which are referred to the component life’s extension, the reliability increase and the end of life performance enhancement, by using oversized devices (derating rules). In order to verify the derating rules, 80 silicon diodes are used, which are reverse polarized in a high temperature environment. The diodes are divided in 4 groups of 20 diodes, applying a different voltage to each group, in order to relate the failure rate to the applied derating rule. The experiment described in this paper is developed using a temperature acceler…

Optimized Topology for High Efficiency Battery Discharge Regulator

In the following years power levels of 20 kW to 50 kW will be demanded by the telecommunication satellites. It is not possible to keep 0.5 kW modules with up to 100 modules in parallel and, therefore, higher power modules must be used. A higher bus voltage seems also necessary and any voltage below 150 V and above 100 V could meet the needs. In addition, new optimized topologies that process only a part of the total power delivery can be employed to improve the efficiency. In this article, design guidelines and experimental results of a high efficiency battery discharge regulator (BDR) module based on parallel power processing are given.

Evaluation of Gallium Nitride Transistors in Electronic Power Conditioners for TWTAs

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the benefits of replacing Si Mosfets transistors with enhancement mode GaN transistors in a Half-Bridge Zero Voltage and Zero Current Switching Power Switching Converter (ZVZCPS). This converter is usually used as power supply of the travelling-wave tube amplifiers (TWTAs) in aerospace applications. In this paper, firstly the converter is theoretically analyzed, obtaining its operation, losses and efficiency equations, these equations are used to obtain optimizations maps based on the main system parameters. In this way, the ideal design parameters can be visually obtained. These optimization maps are the key to quantify the potential benefits of GaN tra…

Output Impedance Improvement Using Coupled Inductors

When using a single DC/DC converter with multiple outputs and having a buck topology, which has one filter inductor per output, the designer can choose to couple these outputs together. This paper demonstrates additional benefits of coupling output inductors together. Apart from saving mass and volume, and due to an improved small signal behaviour it also reduces the output impedance of the regulated output. The paper will analyse a seven output push-pull converter used as a space power converter module and verify the theoretical results with experimental measurements.

New Power Conditioning System for Battery-free Satellite Buses with Maximum Power Point Tracking

The purpose of this paper is describe a new conception of Power Conditioning Unit (PCU) developed to fulfill the requirements of BepiColombo Electronic Propulsion module. This load bus has very tough specification especially regarding transient response during total load switch-off ("beam out") which has to be less than 2% of the bus voltage. The conception we propose, is the new Sequential Switching Shunt Maximum Power Regulator (S3MPR) consisting in a S3R, to keep the SA voltage at its Maximum Power Point (MPP) followed by a Boost regulator to produce a constant 100V to supply the Electronic Propulsion (EP). This concept may also be of interest for other future missions involving high pow…

Soft switched interleaved boost converters used as high-power battery discharge regulator for space power systems

In the following years the telecommunication satellites will have a much greater power demand than nowadays. One reason for this is that the geostationary orbit required by this kind of satellites is becoming too crowded. Probably power levels of l0 kW to l00 kW will be the standard and with life duration of 25 years. It is not possible to keep 0.5 kW modules with more than 100 in parallel and therefore higher power modules (5 kW) must be used. A higher bus voltage seems also necessary and keeping a safety limit of 150 V, any voltage below it and above 100 V could meet the needs. In this paper we will propose a topology that fits the application: two soft switched interleaved boost converte…

Bidirectional High-Efficiency Nonisolated Step-Up Battery Regulator

The design and results of a high-efficiency high-power (5 kW) nonisolated bidirectional dc-dc converter is presented. High stability due to minimum phase behavior is an additional benefit of the topology. The converter is a new boost with output filter where input and output inductors are coupled. This converter is useful with any system that needs to charge and discharge backup batteries and can be applied in space, automotive, and telecom power systems.

Unstable behaviour of normally-off GaN E-HEMT under short-circuit

The short-circuit capability of power switching devices plays an important role in fault detection and the protection of power circuits. In this work, an experimental study on the short-circuit (SC) capability of commercial 600 V Gallium Nitride enhancement-mode high-electron-mobility transistors (E-HEMT) is presented. A different failure mechanism has been identified for commercial p-doped GaN gate (p-GaN) HEMT and metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) HEMT. In addition to the well known thermal breakdown, a premature breakdown is shown on both GaN HEMTs, triggered by hot electron trapping at the surface, which demonstrates that current commercial GaN HEMTs has requirements for improving the…

Study of the Audio Susceptibility in Parallel Power Processing With a High-Power Topology

In this paper, the audio susceptibility characteristic of a high-efficiency nonisolated topology that processes only a part of the total power delivery is analyzed. Since the proposed topology presents a direct path from input to output, the effect of the input voltage ripple at the output voltage has been studied. The effect on the audio susceptibility of the values and disposition of the components and the effect of their parasitic elements must be taken into account. Due to this study, the analytical expression of the audio susceptibility and the design criteria to improve it have been obtained.

Bidirectional high-power high-efficiency non-isolated step-up DC-DC converter

This paper presents the results of a high-efficiency high-power (5kW) non-isolated bidirectional DC-DC converter. High efficiency, high stability and simplicity are the main goals, and no galvanic isolation is required. The proposed topology is a new BOOST converter with output filter where input and output inductors are coupled together which can be designed to be a minimum phase system. This topology provides therefore input and output current filtering, reducing noise and need of additional filters. Its bidirectionality reduces mass in many applications like in charge/discharge subsystems and lowers cost and component count. This converter is useful with any system that needs backup batt…

Stability improvement of isolated multiple-output DC/DC converter using coupled inductors

Coupling output inductors is a very popular solution when designing a multiple-output DC/DC system. Space-borne circuits are one of the areas where a custom DC/DC converter design with coupled inductors could be preferred to have a detailed design of all variables. Output voltage regulation can be improved using coupled output inductors on a multiple-output DC/DC converter, and, as demonstrated in this paper, it provides an enhanced stability. This paper presents the small signal analysis of a push-pull converter with seven outputs having all its output inductors coupled together and compares it theoretically to the uncoupled version to demonstrate the stability improvement. The theoretical…

A Comparative Performance Study of a 1200 V Si and SiC MOSFET Intrinsic Diode on an Induction Heating Inverter

This paper presents a comparison of the behavior of the intrinsic diode of silicon (Si) and silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs. The study was done for 1200 V Si and SiC MOSFETs. The data sheet from manufacturers shows the characteristics of MOSFET' intrinsic diode when gate source voltage (VGS) is 0 V. There are applications where the MOSFET' intrinsic diode is used while VGS is different than 0 V. One of these applications is induction heating, where depending on the load and the regulation system, the diode can conduct a significant part of the inverter current. In most applications which use the MOSFET' intrinsic diode, the turn ON of the intrinsic diode happens at VGS = 0 V. After a blanking…

Benefits and Drawbacks of A High Frequency Gan Zvzcps Converter

This paper presents the benefits and drawbacks of replacing the traditional Si Mosfets transistors with enhancement mode GaN transistors in a Half-Bridge Zero Voltage and Zero Current Switching Power Switching (ZVZCPS) converter. This type of converters is usually used as Electronic Power Converters (EPC) for telecommunication satellites travelling-wave tube amplifiers (TWTAs). In this study, firstly the converter is theoretically analysed, obtaining its operation, losses and efficiency equations. From these equations, optimizations maps based on the main system parameters are obtained. These optimization maps are the key to quantify the potential benefits of GaN transistors in this type of…

Phase Margin Degradation of a Peak Current Controlled Converter at Reduced Duty Cycle

An inner current loop is frequently used in many switching power supplies to achieve higher stability and a good current sharing. Nevertheless, some problems derived from its practical implementation can be encountered. One problem is related to the need of filtering of the sensed current and was discovered by the authors in the implementation of a 500 W converter, when peak current control was applied by sensing the switch current. This paper will demonstrate mathematically that an RC filter not only filters out the noise but also can cause a degradation of the phase margin, especially, if the needed duty cycle is close to zero. The main reason for it is the severe distortion of the curren…

Design of Zero-Ripple-Current Coupled Inductors With PWM Signals in Continuous Conduction Mode

Coupled inductors are widely used in multiple outputs and interleaved dc–dc converters. Also filters often use coupled inductors as their inductive part. A generalized design procedure is proposed in this article focused on current ripple minimization and applicable to coupled inductors exposed to pulsewidth modulation signals and in continuous conduction mode. The design provides a very large inductance for all windings but one. Compared to other designs, it adapts to the existing magnetic properties of the magnetic device changing only the inductance ratio, simplifying the design and manufacturing process. It is based on the equivalent inductance value and its divergences. The only assump…

Zero Ripple Current with Coupled Inductors in Continuous Conduction Mode under PWM Signals

This article presents a generalized analysis to explain current ripple of an $m$ windings coupled inductor with a given coupling factor $k_{ij}$ for each pair of windings and then studies more in detail its use in the continuous conduction mode and with pulsewidth modulated signals. To determine the current ripple, a generalized expression of the equivalent inductance of each winding is calculated, including the influence of voltage unbalance. In the ideal case, the equivalent inductance shows that the current ripple can only become $m$ times smaller than that with uncoupled inductors. But in the unbalanced case, some divergences of the equivalent inductance appear that are responsible for …

High Temperature SiC Blocking Diodes for Solar Array

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation of the performance of 300V-5A Silicon Carbide Ni and W Schottky diode operating in the range between -170°C to 270°C. We have developed these diodes as blocking diodes, for solar cell array protection in order to fulfill the BepiColombo mission specifications. An electro-thermal characterization has been performed taking into account the harsh condition of the mission (high temperature range and electrical stress). The destructive and non-destructive tests have assured that the designed SiC diodes are able to support the electro-thermal limits. A reliability test has also been performed to investigate the stability of forward …

Design considerations for transformerless series resonant inverters for induction heating

The aim of the paper is to present some preliminary ideas in order to overcome the output transformer in series resonant inverters for induction heating applications. By adding a third reactive element to the conventional two element resonant inverter, the output matching transformer can be eliminated, allowing accommodation of the resonant frequency and load with the only drawback being the need for an overdimensioning of the output capacitor bank, and benefiting from inherent short-circuit protection.

Dynamic behavior analysis and characterization of a cascode rectifier based on a normally-on SiC JFET

Test bench for coupling and shielding magnetic field

This paper describes a test bench for training purposes, which uses a magnetic field generator to couple this magnetic field to a victim circuit. It can be very useful to test for magnetic susceptibility as well. The magnetic field generator consists of a board, which generates a variable current that flows into a printed circuit board with spiral tracks (noise generator). The victim circuit consists of a coaxial cable concentric with the spiral tracks and its generated magnetic field. The coaxial cable is part of a circuit which conducts a signal produced by a signal generator and a resistive load. In the paper three cases are studied. First, the transmitted signal from the signal generato…