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Radiation effects on DC-DC ConvertersDC-DC switching converters are circuits that can be used to convert a DC voltage of one value to another by switching action. They are increasing being used in space systems. Most of the popular DC-DC switching converters utilize power MOSFETs. However power MOSFETs, when subjected to radiation, are susceptible to degradation of device characteristics or catastrophic failure. This work focuses on the effects of total ionizing dose on converter performance. Four fundamental switching converters (buck converter, buck-boost converter, cuk converter, and flyback converter) were built using Harris IRF250 power MOSFETs. These converters were designed for converting an input of 60 volts to an output of about 12 volts with a switching frequency of 100 kHz. The four converters were irradiated with a Co-60 gamma source at dose rate of 217 rad/min. The performances of the four converters were examined during the exposure to the radiation. The experimental results show that the output voltage of the converters increases as total dose increases. However, the increases of the output voltage were different for the four different converters, with the buck converter and cuk converter the highest and the flyback converter the lowest. We observed significant increases in output voltage for cuk converter at a total dose of 24 krad (si).
Document ID
20010012160
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Zhang, Dexin
(Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical Coll. TX United States)
Attia, John O.
(Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical Coll. TX United States)
Kankam, Mark D.
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 2000
Publication Information
Publication: HBCUs/OMUs Research Conference Agenda and Abstracts
Subject Category
Electronics And Electrical Engineering
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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