Microchip Technology Launched Radiation-Tolerant Power Converter
The new 20A module targets space-based processing power needs with high-temperature resistance.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Semiconductors
Microchip Technology has released a radiation-tolerant Point-of-Load (POL) power converter designed for space applications. The module, which reached production availability, provides 20A of continuous current while maintaining performance across extreme thermal environments.
Why it matters
As orbital processing demands increase, this converter addresses critical power constraints in radiation-heavy environments. It provides hardware designers with a standardized, hardened component for power management in spacecraft systems.
The POL-05-20S-T module supports an input range of 4.75V to 13.2V and an output range of 0.7V to 5V. It is rated for a Total Ionizing Dose of 50 krad and Single Event Effects up to 43 MeV·cm²/mg, operating reliably from -55°C to +100°C.
The players
Microchip Technology
A Chandler-based semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, mixed-signal, and flash-IP solutions for industrial and aerospace markets.
The details
The device utilizes Gallium Nitride power components—semiconductors capable of handling higher voltages and faster switching than silicon—to achieve its efficiency in a 25g package. It employs a synchronous buck topology, which uses high-side and low-side transistors to step down voltage, coupled with current-mode control to maintain stability under variable space-processing loads.
Timeline
October 14, 2026: Microchip Technology released the converter in production quantities.
The Tech Race
This release marks a shift toward higher-density power delivery using Gallium Nitride in radiation-hardened applications. It aligns with the aerospace industry's effort to shrink power electronics footprints while maintaining resilience against the high-energy particles found in low-earth orbit.
The converter is now available to engineers developing satellite and space-processing hardware. It replaces less efficient, bulkier power stages in systems requiring sustained 20A current output in extreme temperatures.
The takeaway
The move toward Gallium Nitride in flight-ready power supplies continues to prioritize power density for increasingly complex satellite payloads. Watch for future integration announcements as system integrators adopt these components into next-generation bus architectures.
Further reading
For more on the latest advancements in aerospace hardware, visit the Semiconductors section.
