EPC Space announces the release of the EPCS4001, a radiation-hardened, high-frequency buck DC-DC PWM converter controller optimized for space and high-energy physics applications. In tandem with the EPCS4001, EPC Space also introduces the EPCSC401 reference design, offering engineers a complete, tested, and ready-to-deploy solution. The EPCS4001 is a rad-hard CMOS ASIC, co-developed with The European Organization for Nuclear Research, known as CERN, tailored specifically for use with EPC’s GaN-based Rad Hard power stage the EPC7011L7 family. This two-component solution provides a robust and flexible point-of-load converter architecture that excels in extreme environments.

Key Features of the EPCS4001:

• Wide Input Voltage Range: 18 V to 50 V input, with an adjustable output centered at 12 V
• High Switching Frequency: Adjustable from 0.5 MHz to 3 MHz, enabling use of compact inductors from 200–500 nH.
• Integrated Bias Regulators: On-chip 12 V and 5 V linear regulators eliminate the need for external bias circuitry.
• Protection & Telemetry: Built-in under-voltage lockout (UVLO), over-temperature protection, and Power Good signal for fault monitoring.
• Radiation and Magnetic Tolerance: Operates reliably in environments with very high radiation. The controller has been designed for operation in a strong magnetic field in excess of 40,000 Gauss.
• Fully Compatible with EPC GaN Power Stages: Designed to pair with the EPC7011L7 family, enabling radiation-hardened power conversion in compact form factors.

EPCSC401 Reference Design – Turnkey Performance

To support rapid design-in, EPC Space has released the EPCSC401 reference design, a 48 V-to-12 V buck converter that demonstrates the full capabilities of the EPCS4001 and EPC7011L7 family in a compact layout. It features:

• Pre-optimized PCB layout for minimal loop inductance and maximum efficiency.
• Compatibility with both cored and coreless inductors, allowing designers to tailor magnetic components for application-specific needs, including high magnetic field environments.
• Verified thermal performance with conduction cooling and integrated heatsinking for space-like conditions.

“Our customers asked for a simplified path to integrate GaN-based, radiation-hardened DC-DC conversion into their systems, and the EPCS4001 with the EPCSC401 reference design delivers exactly that,” said Maurizio Salato, VP of Engineering at EPC Space.

Applications

• Spacecraft power systems
• High Energy Physics instrumentation
• Radiation-tolerant point-of-load converters
• Defense and aerospace systems requiring high efficiency and compact size

Click here to learn more about EPCS4001.