The selection of a switch for space-based inverter applications is considered, focusing on the required tradeoff between package size, weight, and reliability. The reliability is highly dependent on the power-conditioning-system environment. The two key environmental parameters are nuclear radiation hardness and temperature. The tradeoff analysis must include all components of the power package, including prime power, power conditioning and power transmission to the load. The switch choices for the near term (<2010) will differ from those made for the far term (>2010). Devices discussed that hold promise for the near term are the MCT (MOS controlled thyristor), FETs, crosstron, and possibly the first GaAs power semiconductors. All the near-term switches considered will require size and weight penalty to overcome performance and environmental deficiencies. Far-term switches at this time include deep impurity silicon, more advanced gallium arsenide, silicon carbide, and diamond power devices. It is noted that the self-switching thermonics converter is a plasma device that is worth considering for long-term space-based power conditioning applications.
High power switches for space based applications
Hochleistungs-Halbleiterbauelemente für das Bordnetz von Raumfahrzeugen
1987
6 Seiten, 9 Quellen
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Englisch
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