A radiation-tolerant, high current density DC–DC converter module powers an AI-enabled transponder in space systems, writes Nick Flaherty.

Spacechips is using a radiation-tolerant DC–DC converter from Vicor for the most power-dense, reliable transponder for in-orbit AI processing.

The demand for smaller satellites with sophisticated computational capabilities and reliable and robust onboard processor systems, which can support the 5–10 year duration of a typical mission, is testing current ultra-deep submicron field-programmable gate arrays and application-specific integrated circuits and their power delivery networks. These high-performance processors have demanding, low-voltage, high-current power requirements and their system design is further compounded by the complexities of managing thermal and radiation conditions in space.

The AI1 transponder is an onboard processor card containing an Adaptive Compute Acceleration Platform AI accelerator. The reconfigurable receiver and transmitter delivers up to 133 TOPS of performance that enables new Earth-observation, in-space servicing, assembly and manufacturing, signals intelligence, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and telecommunication applications to support real-time, autonomous computing while ensuring the reliability and longevity to complete longer missions.

“Many spacecraft operators simply don’t have sufficient bandwidth in the RF spectrum to download all of the data they’ve acquired for real-time processing,” said Dr Rajan Bedi, CEO of Spacechips. “An alternative solution is accomplishing the processing in-orbit and simply downlinking the intelligent insights.”

Given the constrained operating environment of space, AI-enabled computing has an acute need for precision power management. The need is compounded by the expanding number, scope and variety of missions that require different kinds of spacecraft and a growing reliance on some form of solar power to deliver adequate power.

The transponder is based around Vicor’s Factorized Power Architecture that separates the functions of DC–DC conversion into independent modules. The bus converter module provides the isolation and step down to 28 V, while the pre-regulator module provides regulation to a voltage transformation module or current multiplier that performs the 28 V DC transformation to 0.8 V. The power converter modules also feature a dual powertrain that, for fault-intolerant space applications, provides built-in redundancy and allows loads to be driven at 100% on each side of the powertrain.

The small size allows for better efficiency and flexibility by reducing the size and weight, and yields higher power density.

The system performs real-time, onboard processing by autonomously changing RF frequency plans, channelisation, modulation and communication standards based on live traffic needs.