A low-cost power converter with accurate over voltage protection and a telecommand interace

DC/DC power converters are widely used in space platforms and payloads, and are normally tailored to mission needs. The main concern is to obtain a sufficiently high level of reliability, which can be difficult considering the relatively low production values and highly challenging space environment. To reduce costs, off-the-shelf hybrids can be used and adapted to space applications. Through the ESA Technology Research Programme (TRP), RUAG has assessed the feasibility of a low-cost European alternative to current non-European suppliers. A competitive 10W converter has been developed for standard and digital electronics. While the converter is very thin, it nevertheless accommodates many convenient features, including spacecraft protection, accurate over voltage protection, a flexible telecommand interface and so on.