An SET-free, fully-digital point-of-load regulator for next-generation spacecraft power systems

Abstract

This paper presents a digitally controlled point-of-load regulator for next-generation power systems. It is intended for spacecraft with limited energy harvesting capability and on board battery storage such as micro- and nano-satellites as well as multi-tier power distribution networks of conventional satellite and spacecraft subsystems. The novel control loop was designed to minimize radiation induced single-event effects (SEE) and resulting transients. The design was implemented in 14nm bulk complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process and validated with post layout simulations. It attains a peak efficiency of 95% at heavy load conditions and 79% at light loads with a maximum voltage ripple of 25mV at light loads. The most susceptible elements of the proposed regulator have a relatively high energy threshold (~ 15pJ corresponding to 40 MeV.cm2/mg) indicating a small probability of occurrence in harsh environments and no catastrophic failure.