Aerospace & Defense Technology - December 2022 - 11

Power Supplies
FGDS series) can be added to the input
of DC-DC converters to reduce noise
further.
Many of GAIA's DC converters are
equipped with a synchronization pin
that allows the switching frequency
of the module to be 'steered' away
from frequencies to which the system
may be sensitive. Additionally,
in multi-module systems, the switching
frequencies of each module can
be aligned exactly by connecting the
synchronization pins. In doing this,
the designer can eliminate the low
frequency 'beat' noise that can be
generated by small differences in the
switching frequency of individual
modules.
Operating Environment
Military/avionic systems may be
deployed in a variety of locations and
subjected to different and challenging
environmental conditions, including
temperature extremes, humidity,
shocks, and vibrations. A range of
standards defines the requirements
for the operating environment, along
with outlining the tests to undertake
to ensure that a module is compliant.
In the case of a custom power solution
from discrete components, these
tests would have to be passed after
the design is complete. This process
would involve a significant amount of
time, cost, and design risk and probably
require some design changes.
Also, any significant design changes
or upgrades would be subject to re-test
and re-certification - again with time,
cost, and risk. However, the modular
approach uses pre-qualified modules
that have already demonstrated their
ability to meet the relevant standards,
eliminating much of the design risk
and dramatically simplifying the
approval process.
Thermal Management
Heat is always an issue for any power
system, no matter how efficiently it
can operate. This is especially true for
any system used in a confined and/or
enclosed space, as in military/avionic
applications. Any thermal design must
include some design margin to ensure
the reliability of the modules.
GAIA converter modules are
designed for a maximum case or baseplate
temperature (depending upon
the style) of 105°C. In almost all
cases, thermal management will be
required, including forced air cooling
using a fan, thicker and larger metallization
on the circuit board, some
form of heatsinking, or a combination
of these techniques. In many cases, a
preferred method is a thermally conductive
heatsink that is in contact
with the metal case/baseplate of the
power module.
Conclusion
Designing power solutions for military/avionic
applications can be challenging
due to the operating environment
and the stringent standards.
In many cases, taking a modular
approach using off-the-shelf, pre-approved
modules is the best approach
as it reduces design time and risk.
While many of the applicable standards
have been in use for some time,
there are updates made to address
new applications or incorporate new
technology. Designers must ensure
that the modules used in their designs
are compliant with the latest versions
of all standards to ensure design longevity.
Additionally, other organizations
like the Sensor Open Standards
Architecture Consortium (SOSA Consortium)
are actively enabling governments
and industry to develop open
standards and best practices that apply
to the military use of sensing devices.
This article was written by Christian
Jonglas, Technical Support Manager,
GAIA Converter (Laval, QC, Canada).
For more information, go to https://
gaia-converter.com.
AExxxPGA Family
Ultra-low Loss Power Inductors
CPS
CRITICAL PRODUCTS & SERVICES
* Offer up to 40% lower DCR than previous best-in-class inductors
* Meet NASA low outgassing specifications
* Pass vibration testing to 80 G and shock testing to 1000 G
* Currently offered in three sizes with a wide range of inductance
values from 0.11 to 47 μH and current ratings up to 38 A
Learn more @ coilcraft-cps.com
Aerospace & Defense Technology, December 2022
mobilityengineeringtech.com
11
https://gaia-converter.com http://info.hotims.com/82328-750 http://www.mobilityengineeringtech.com
Aerospace & Defense Technology - December 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Aerospace & Defense Technology - December 2022
