High power and current density
High efficiency
Low noise
Internal redundancy
LEO and MEO satellites are equipped with breakthrough digital payload electronics and require high-density, high-efficiency, low-noise power delivery networks (PDNs), particularly for their advanced networking ASICs. These power delivery solutions must also be tolerant to both TID (total ionizing dose) radiation and SEE (single event effects).
Vicor radiation-tolerant power modules enable the ideal Power Delivery Network (PDN) for today’s LEO and MEO satellites, providing high efficiency, high density, low-noise voltage conversion to power advanced network communication ASICs and processors to provide on orbit decision-making.
By delivering high-density power with minimal footprint, real-time processing is possible while maintaining reliable space operations.
Vicor Factorized Power ArchitectureTM allows for voltage transformation to occur as close to the processor as possible, significantly reducing distribution losses to best serve onboard processors with demanding low-voltage, high-current requirements.
Modular power delivery networks adapt to varying satellite sizes and mission profiles. This compact power design allows for seamless integration across different spacecraft and supports long-term sustainability, optimizing performance as space technology evolves.
Low noise zero-current and zero-voltage switching reduce electrical interference. Minimizing unwanted signals enhances signal integrity, allowing AI-driven satellites to process data accurately and quickly.
Within a significantly smaller footprint, hundreds of components similar to those used to create a discrete solution are arranged inside Vicor power modules.
Single event functional interrupt (SEFI) immunity is achieved using a redundant architecture in each module, where two identical and parallel powertrains with fault-tolerant control ICs are housed in a single, high-density module. If one power path is disrupted, its protection circuits force a power-off-reset. The second seamlessly maintains full operation until the reset interval is complete and both powertrains are operating in parallel again. This redundant design strengthens long-term stability, enabling AI-driven satellites to function autonomously and efficiently in space.
Factorized Power Architecture (FPA) factorizes power from the traditional single-function DC-DC converter into two distinct functions and power modules: a pre-regulation module, a PRM and a voltage transformation module, a VTM. The power switching topologies and control systems of each module are optimized for low noise and power losses, with zero-current and zero-voltage switching. The PRM and VTM components have high density, high efficiency, low noise operation and factorization allows the VTM to be placed close to the load minimizing board losses in high current applications.
Our radiation-tolerant COTS source-to-point-of-load power delivery simplifies design by integrating the full power chain, from high-voltage bus input to low-voltage conversion, enabling faster time to market, reduced system cost, and maximized board space with compact, flight-ready components.
Satellite BCM® bus converter
Isolated fixed-ratio
Input: 100V (94 – 105V, 120V transient)
Output: 33V (31 – 35V)
Power: 400W
K factor: 1/3
Peak efficiency: 96%
33.5 x 23.1 x 7.4mm
26g
50krad, 35MeV•cm2/mg
Satellite PRM™ regulator
Non-isolated regulated
Input: 33V (30 – 36V)
Output: 25V (13.4 – 35V)
Power: 200W
Current: IOUT 7.69A
Peak efficiency: 97.5%
29.2 x 19.0 x 7.4mm
18.2g
50krad, 35MeV•cm2/mg
Satellite VTM™ current multiplier
Isolated fixed-ratio
Input: 25V (13.4 – 35V)
Output: 0.42 – 1.1V
Current: 150A
K factor: 1/32
Peak efficiency: 94.3%
29.2 x 19.0 x 4.9mm
13.3g
50krad, 35MeV•cm2/mg
Satellite VTM™ current multiplier
Isolated fixed-ratio
Input: 25V (16 – 32V)
Output: 2 – 3.8V
Current: 50A
K factor: 1/8
Peak efficiency: 94%
29.2 x 19.0 x 5.5mm
11g
50krad, 35MeV•cm2/mg
For over 40 years Vicor has designed and manufactured its innovative and award-winning power modules in the United States. Our fabrication facility in Andover, Massachusetts, is vertically integrated, enabling us to have greater control of the entire manufacturing lifecycle process, ensuring quality and reducing the risk of supply chain interruptions.
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