Space Electronics Operating at High Temperatures and Radiation Levels, Phase I

The proposal represents a radical revolution in Power Management & Distribution (PMAD) that addresses many of the challenges for NASA missions that will operate in harsher space environments. One of the several advances it introduces is to eliminate the number one problem of electronics failure in space environment – "latch-up". The new technology would entirely eliminate all sources of 'latch-up" events, thereby drastically reducing space electronics risk. The new technology of 'solid-state ceramic' voltage level shifters further integrates wideband gap power switches as part of a radical new design approach that improves electronics performance over a wide operational (thermal, loads) with drastically improved radiation tolerance over what is presently available. The emphasis will be on a whole new form of space electronics PMAD that enable very (extremely) high levels temperature/radiation tolerance for a wide range of missions including Heliophysic Solar Terrestrial Probe (STP), Europa, Venus missions and future Small Explorer (SMEX) missions that are previously unobtainable. Its unique capabilities of voiding need for digital processors combined with its immense immunity from EMI/RFI make this technology an ideal space power electronics solution for Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) Missions. Because of its unique nature of complete elimination of any form of control, filtering and measurement subsystems the new technology substantially reduce system risk and increase autonomy. Its unique design, materials and operation eliminate need of any processors, core magnetics and software; thereby eliminating almost all the causes of system failure in high radiation exposure environments. Because it is based on ceramics and has no processor or core magnetic components, the new technology can be designed to safely operate from cryogenic to very high temperature ambient conditions. More »