Online Self-Test and Reliability Monitoring of Satellite Space Power Converters

Online Self-Test and Reliability Monitoring of Satellite Space Power Converters Online Self-Test and Reliability Monitoring of Satellite/Space Power Converters Complex electronic systems include multiple power domains and drastically varying dynamic power consumption patterns requiring the use of multiple power conversion and regulation units. High frequency switching converters have been gaining prominence in the DC-DC converter market due to their high efficiency. Unfortunately, they are also subject to higher process variations jeopardizing stable operation of the power supply. Mixed-signal signal chains for RF transceivers require fast settling low noise DCDC converters. High speed converters can push their noise to higher frequencies, and enable effective bypassing with smaller external component sizes. In high reliability applications, several components associated with DCDC converters drift and age. As an example, LCR of the DCDC converters degrade over time and usage, as well as the MOSFETS making up the power train age and will not give optimized output with a classical controller. High speed converters have smaller component sizing, faster settling time, but their converter loop dynamics are sensitive to external LC and R variations. Converter performance is also Ref Sync H(f) Correlator 1 PRBS Fig. 1. Conceptual view of s ystem level in module for a space DCDC converter affected by manufacturing situ/online selftest tolerances and parasitics. In this project, ASU and JPL scientists will collaborate on developing a self-test and monitoring platform for multistage power management systems for space applications. Several techniques for on-line system identification, self-test and diagnosis of DCDC converters will be developed. Using white noise based stimulus, the system will be diagnosed while operating in a closed loop configuration, without the need for open-loop characterization. Conceptual view of a self-testing DCDC conversion module is shown in Fig. 1. Successful outcome of this will enable logging of diagnostics of the converter and/or self-tuning of the controller to overcome the aging effects in harsh environments. The self-test method will report drift and aging of overall performance and several components in a high speed DCDC converter. 1) Design, simulation, and implementation of PRBS based DCDC converter self-test stimulation module. 2) Design, simulation, and implementation of analog correlator for the RBS based self-test module. 3) In situ characterization of the JPL compliant DCDC converter module. 4) Analysis of next generation POL power delivery platform for efficient staff test and monitoring. 5) Design of self-test module for the next generation POL power delivery platform.