Method of single event effects radiation hardened for DC-DC converter using load transient detection

Abstract:

To enhance the capability of DC-DC converter in power management integrated circuit to withstand single event transient (SET), this study thoroughly investigates the characteristics between SET and load transient in DC-DC converter. Based on this analysis, a radiation hardened by design (RHBD) circuit is proposed. This design outputs control signals to manage the RHBD circuit, by distinguishing SET from load transients, thereby enhancing transient response under dynamic conditions. thereby enhancing transient response under dynamic conditions. The design and validation of a Boost converter are completed based on a 180 nm BCD process. Experimental results demonstrate that with an input voltage range of 2.9 to 4.5 V, an output voltage range of 5.8 to 7.9 V, and a load current ranging from 0 to 55 mA, the detection circuit swiftly disables the hardening module during load transient events. This effectively prevents oscillations. Under the influence of SET, output fluctuations remain within maximum allowable ripple, achieving a SET suppression capability of over 86%. The system operates normally under ionizing radiation with linear energy transfer (LET) up to 100 MeV·cm²/mg. The hardened circuit proposed in this paper can maintain normal operation under varying load conditions while also mitigating SET.