In response to NASA SBIR topic S3.08 Command, Data Handling, and Electronics (SBIR), Alphacore Inc. will develop a single-inductor, multiple output (SIMO) high-efficiency point of load (POL) DC-DC converter. We have code-named this exciting technology “POLESTAR” (Point of Load converter with high Efficiency, SIMO architecture and Tolerance Against Radiation). The technology has excellent commercial potential. For typical NASA missions, both mass and power consumption and wide temperature operation is a critical need. Especially for missions requiring mobility, overall SWaP as well as volume is dominated by motor drive and associated electronics. In the Phase II of this project, Alphacore Inc., will design, fabricate and test a buck DC-DC converter that can directly convert voltages from 11V to 36V, down to multiple required power rails ranging from 1.5V to 5V, while supporting at least 10A of current to the load. In the Phase I program, Alphacore Inc. designed a digitally intensive, high-efficiency, radiation hard, hybrid GaN/CMOS integrated single controller, enabling single-inductor multiple output (SIMO) operation. The developed controller enabled a reduced component count, enabling reduced failure modes, lower PCB area. This solution includes all controller circuitry and drivers integrated in a single CMOS ASIC chip, as well as the GaN-based primary DC-DC converter’s power stage in a single module. The hybrid module is planned to have a small form factor, namely 15mm x 15mm x 4mm that can generate 4 supply rails all from a single module.

Alphacore’s high performance DC/DC converters will bridge the gap in spacesuits designed for deep space and surface missions. They will be suitable for smart instruments and controllers used in spacesuit life support systems for NASA’s human missions to Mars and the Deep Space Gateway missions. The proposed solution will also benefit NASA’s robotic systems such as the SPIDER and the Canadaarm3. Our solution can efficiently power up to 3 loads with a single inductor, and enable significant reduction in size and weight for future NASA platforms.

Our design is an excellent fit for key SWaP, Hi-Rel, and high-radiation applications such as cubesats, nanosats, robotics, autonomous aircrafts/spacecrafts, and constellation satellites to be operated in environments ranging from LEO to deep space and planetary missions. Other applications include defense and aerospace-related power management for controllers and smart devices as well.