Switching power supplies (SPS) for satellite communication equipment operate in extremely harsh space environments, which dictates their unique characteristics. First, they must have exceptional temperature stability. Space experiences extreme temperature fluctuations, from -150°C in shadowed areas to +120°C in sunlight-exposed regions. Thus, these SPS use high-temperature-resistant components like ceramic capacitors and silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors, and integrate efficient thermal management systems such as heat pipes and phase-change materials to maintain stable output within a wide temperature range.

Second, radiation hardness is critical. Space is filled with ionizing radiation (e.g., cosmic rays, solar flares) that can damage electronic components. To address this, the SPS adopt radiation-hardened (rad-hard) designs: selecting rad-hard integrated circuits (ICs) with a total ionizing dose (TID) tolerance of over 100 krad(Si), and implementing error-correction codes (ECC) in digital control modules to mitigate single-event effects (SEEs).

Third, high efficiency and miniaturization are essential. Satellites have limited payload capacity and rely on solar panels for power. These SPS achieve efficiency levels above 92% through soft-switching topologies (e.g., LLC resonant converters) to reduce switching losses. Meanwhile, they use compact packaging technologies like 3D integrated circuits (3D ICs) to minimize volume and weight, ensuring they fit within the satellite’s strict space constraints.

Finally, long-term reliability is non-negotiable. Satellites have a typical mission life of 10–15 years with no possibility of on-orbit maintenance. The SPS undergo rigorous reliability testing, including thermal cycling, vibration, and vacuum testing, and use redundant designs (e.g., dual-power modules) to ensure continuous operation even if a component fails.

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