Date: 7th Jun 2011
Radiation hardened power MOSFET first
time from a European manufacturer
ST Microelectronics has introduced the first member of
a family of power transistors that are fully qualified for
use in electronic subsystems on board satellites and launchers.
According to the Satellite Industry Association, the global
satellite industry is growing steadily and currently generates
more than $160 billion in annual revenues. Although essential
electronic equipment is built in various territories, including
Europe and Asia, the majority of components certified for
use in space originate from the USA. However, developed
in conjunction with the support of the European Space Agency
(ESA) and the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES),
ST's new family of radiation-hardened power MOSFETs is produced
in Europe and fully qualified to ESCC (European Space Components
Coordination) specifications.
ST says its move will not only increase the global supply
of space-qualified components, but will also overcome trade
restrictions that can delay project completion or prevent
access to certain devices and markets. "This new Rad-Hard
Power MOSFET family has been developed to meet space requirements
and is available for the first time from a European manufacturer,"
said Ian Wilson, General Manager of ST's Power Transistors
Division.
The new radiation-hardened power MOSFET family spans current
ratings from 6A to 80A and comprises five N-channel and
P-channel devices, including: the STRH100N10 and STRH8N10
and STRH40P10, which offer voltage ratings of 100V; and
the STRH100N6 and STRH40N6 with voltage ratings of 60V.
The 100-volt P-channel device has a current rating of 34A.
With their low gate charge, a characteristic of ST's STripFET
technology which enhances switching performance, they are
ideal for use in DC power modules such as motor controllers
and linear regulators, as well as line switches and e-fuses
for current limiting.
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