Rad-Hard Isolated DC-DC Converters: Power Solution for Challenging HI-Reliability Applications

Imagine sending a high-precision watch to the summit of Mount Everest. The watch must keep perfect time despite freezing temperatures, low oxygen and relentless winds. Now, picture that instead of a mountain, the environment is outer space and instead of a watch, it’s a critical electronic system. Just as only the most rugged, expertly engineered watches can survive Everest, only the most robust, radiation-hardened power solutions can keep electronics running in the harshest environments. This is where our rad-hard isolated DC-DC converters come in—they are the “mountaineers” of the electronics world, built to thrive where ordinary components would fail.

In this blog post, you’ll discover what makes radiation-hardened (rad-hard) isolated DC-DC converters essential for extreme environments. You’ll learn how our specialized power modules are engineered to withstand intense radiation, why electrical isolation is critical and where these technologies are making a difference—from satellites to nuclear reactors. We’ll also explore the latest trends and innovations shaping the future of rad-hard electronics, and introduce you to Microchip’s leading product families, including the SA series with direct links for further exploration and purchasing.

The demand for reliable electronics in harsh environments has never been higher. As humanity pushes further into space, modernizes defense systems and upgrades nuclear facilities, the need for components that can survive radiation, temperature extremes and electrical noise is paramount. Historically, standard electronic parts would quickly degrade or fail under such conditions, leading to mission failures or safety risks. Over the past decades, the field of radiation-hardened electronics has evolved rapidly, with isolated DC-DC converters emerging as a cornerstone technology. Today, our converters are not only more robust but also smaller, more efficient and more accessible than ever before, thanks to advances in materials, testing and design.

What Are Rad-Hard Isolated DC-DC Converters?

Rad-hard isolated DC-DC converters are power supply modules designed to deliver reliable performance in environments with high levels of radiation. They combine two critical features:

• Radiation Hardening: These converters are engineered to withstand total ionizing dose (TID), single event effects (SEE) and displacement damage, ensuring continued operation even under intense radiation.
• Electrical Isolation: Using galvanic isolation (typically via transformers), these converters separate input and output circuits, preventing ground loops, enhancing safety and improving noise immunity.

Microchip’s Product Portfolio: SA Series

SA Series (SA-50 and SA-15) (Space-Grade, Radiation-Hardened)

• Available in both single and triple outputs, the SA family is designed and qualified for the rigors of space, including TID and SEE characterization.
• Operates at a fixed frequency of 220 kHz and can be externally synchronized.
• Qualified to MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-883 and MIL-STD-202 standards.
• Surface-mount construction for flexibility and customization.
• 15W (SA15) and 50W (SA50) options, with 28V, 50V, 70V and 120V input variants.
• EMI-compliant and radiation-hardened designs, suitable for deep space applications.
• High efficiency and reliability, with MTBF exceeding 39 million hours for SA15 and 8 million hours for SA50.

Why Is Radiation Hardening Important?

Radiation in space, nuclear facilities and military environments can wreak havoc on electronics. Ionizing radiation (gamma rays, X-rays, alpha and beta particles) can alter semiconductor properties, while neutron and proton radiation can cause permanent material changes. Heavy ions from cosmic rays can induce single event effects (SEEs), such as bit flips or latch-up in microelectronics. Without radiation hardening, electronic systems would quickly degrade or fail, jeopardizing missions and safety.

Key Features and Performance

• Radiation Hardening: SA series: TID >100 krad (Si), SEE immunity 82 MeV·cm²/mg;
• High Isolation Voltage: Ensures galvanic isolation between input and output.
• High Reliability: Robust, sometimes redundant components for fail-safe operation.
• Wide Input/Output Range: Supports various voltage levels (e.g., 28V, 50V, 70V, 120V input; 3.3V, 5V, 12V, 15V output) to accommodate different subsystems.
• EMI Compliance: Compatible with external EMI filters (e.g., SF100-28-28S, SF200-28-28S) for MIL-STD-461 compliance.

Industries and Applications

Rad-hard isolated DC-DC converters are vital in:

• Aerospace and Space: Powering satellites, spacecraft and launch vehicles exposed to cosmic rays and solar radiation.
• Defense and Military: Used in missiles, radars, nuclear submarines and secure communication systems.
• Nuclear Power and Energy: Essential for monitoring, control and safety systems in reactors and waste management.
• High-Energy Physics and Research: Used in particle accelerators and research labs.

Market Trends and Innovations

The market for space power converters components is expanding rapidly, driven by:

• The rise of mega-constellations and commercial space ventures.
• Miniaturization for CubeSats and small satellites.
• Defense modernization and unmanned vehicles.
• Nuclear plant upgrades and modernization.
• Growth in advanced medical and research equipment.
• Technological advances such as system-on-chip (SoC) integration, improved testing, and adaptation of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components.
• Sustainability efforts to extend product lifespan and reduce costs.

Want More?

If you’re designing systems for space, defense, nuclear or medical applications, consider how our rad-hard isolated DC-DC converters can enhance your project’s reliability and safety. Explore our portfolio of radiation-hardened and radiation-tolerant power solutions to find the right fit for your needs.