title: The BepiColombo Laser Altimeter (BeLA) power converter module (PCM): Concept and characterisation.
abstract: This paper presents the principal considerations when designing DC-DC converters for space instruments, in particular for the power converter module as part of the first European space laser altimeter: "BepiColombo Laser Altimeter" on board the European Space Agency-Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) mission BepiColombo. The main factors which determine the design of the DC-DC modules in space applications are printed circuit board occupation, mass, DC-DC converter efficiency, and environmental-survivability constraints. Topics included in the appropriated DC-DC converter design flow are hereby described. The topology and technology for the primary and secondary stages, input filters, transformer design, and peripheral components are discussed. Component selection and design trade-offs are described. Grounding, load and line regulation, and secondary protection circuitry (under-voltage, over-voltage, and over-current) are then introduced. Lastly, test results and characterization of the final flight design are also presented. Testing of the inrush current, the regulated output start-up, and the switching function of the power supply indicate that these performances are fully compliant with the requirements.
authors.affiliation: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA), Glorieta de la Astronomía s/n, 18008 Granada, Spain.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rodrigo
authors.affiliation: CRISA, Airbus Defence and Space, C/Torres Quevedo 9 (PTM), 28760 Tres Cantos (Madrid), Spain.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gasquet
authors.affiliation: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA), Glorieta de la Astronomía s/n, 18008 Granada, Spain.
authors.forename: J-M
authors.identifier: 0000000296588421
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Castro
authors.affiliation: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA), Glorieta de la Astronomía s/n, 18008 Granada, Spain.
authors.forename: M
authors.identifier: 0000000343436632
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Herranz
authors.affiliation: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA), Glorieta de la Astronomía s/n, 18008 Granada, Spain.
authors.forename: L-M
authors.identifier: 000000027184920X
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Lara
authors.affiliation: CRISA, Airbus Defence and Space, C/Torres Quevedo 9 (PTM), 28760 Tres Cantos (Madrid), Spain.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Muñoz
authors.affiliation: CRISA, Airbus Defence and Space, C/Torres Quevedo 9 (PTM), 28760 Tres Cantos (Madrid), Spain.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Simon
authors.affiliation: DLR Institut für Planetenforschung, Rutherfordstrasse 2, 12489 Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Behnke
authors.affiliation: Physikalisches Institut, Universität Bern, Sidlerstr. 5, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Thomas