STMicroelectronics RHRPMICL1A programmable integrated current limiter

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STMicroelectronics has created an innovative radiation-hardened (rad-hard), programmable integrated current limiter (ICL) that prevents power surges and overloads from damaging electronic equipment operated in space.

Based on an original concept from the European Space Agency (ESA) to harmonise and miniaturise functionalities present in all satellites, ST has developed the RHRPMICL1A, with the support of ESA and the Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES), the French space agency. The device can be widely used worldwide to provide a standardised and configurable solution for the power management of space applications.

The product integrates the functions of a latch-up current limiter and solid-state power switch (SSP) that, until now, have been built using discrete components. The fully integrated solution should therefore enable easier design, cut the bill of materials (BOM), reduce weight and save up to 93% of board space, with hardware designers able to reduce the typical protection-circuit footprint from 20 x 20 to 5 x 5 cm. The unit is QML-V space-agency qualified (5962R17211) with radiation hardness assurance (RHA) up to 100 kRad total ionisation dose (TID) and 78 MeV in single event latch-up (SEL).

The device is configurable to address multiple applications, acting as a slave to provide simple latched protection, or in autonomous mode capable of automatic self-recovery, or with foldback limiting to maintain a safe current in all conditions including short-circuit. Telemetry and telecommand pins, typically connected directly to the spacecraft onboard computer, permit easy control. To allow flexibility for circuit designers, the load is managed through an external P-Channel MOSFET.

Compatible with all bus voltages (including 28, 50 and 100 V) and commonly used in space applications, the product has a floating-ground configuration and Zener diode that allow flexibility to handle higher bus voltages in the future, as well as protecting the load in the event of internal failure.

For more information: www.st.com/rhrpmicl1a-pr.