Space DC-DC Converter Market Trends

Space DC-DC Converter Market Trends

The space DC-DC converter industry is seeing trends driven by the push for advanced satellite technology and space exploration. One major trend is the increased adoption of smaller, more efficient converters that cater to the needs of small and micro satellites, reflecting the shift towards more compact and cost-effective spacecraft designs. With the growing number of satellite constellations for communication, Earth observation, and IoT applications, power solutions are becoming more integral to support higher operational demands. VPT Inc., a HEICO company, introduced the VSC series of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) DC-DC converters for small orbiting satellites. The converters feature total ionizing dose (TID) performance characteristics, including low dose rate (LDR) and single event effects, aligned with VPT's Radiation Hardness Assurance (RHA) plan to ensure reliable operation in space environments. Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on developing radiation-tolerant components due to the harsh conditions of space, ensuring reliability and performance in environments with high levels of radiation exposure.
 

Another trend is the integration of digital control and monitoring features in DC-DC converters to provide real-time power management and increased system efficiency. This is critical as space missions require precise energy allocation to maintain the functionality of onboard systems. As satellite networks become more interconnected and advanced, power conversion technology must keep pace by delivering higher efficiencies while minimizing weight and space.
 

Companies are focusing on innovation that enables scalable, modular power solutions to support flexible and evolving mission requirements. For instance, Crane Aerospace & Electronics in Lynnwood, Wash., has introduced the Interpoint xMOR 120-Watt DC-DC converters for military, aviation, and space power electronics. These converters use a shared core architecture and include four versions: cMOR (COTS for aerospace and defense), hMOR (Class H high-reliability for mission-critical defense), sMOR (Class K for deep space), and rMOR (space-grade).