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As the global space industry advances with growing momentum ranging from satellite constellations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to interplanetary exploration engineers are facing increasingly complex challenges. Among them, the need for compact, lightweight, and ultra-reliable power solutions stands at the core of mission success.
Whether it’s powering communications satellites, Earth observation platforms, or deep-space probes, the demands placed on space-qualified power systems are unforgiving. Extreme temperatures, intense radiation, shock, vacuum, and long operational lifetimes leave no margin for error.
At Horizon Electronics, we specialize in providing the Israeli space industry with advanced, high-reliability power solutions. As the exclusive local partner of VPT, a global leader in radiation-hardened DC-DC converters and space-grade power systems, we empower engineers and integrators with the most trusted solutions available today.
The Challenges of Space-Based Power Design
Designing power systems for space requires a distinct engineering approach that accounts for harsh and highly variable operating environments:
- Radiation Tolerance: Components must withstand Total Ionizing Dose (TID) up to 100 krad(Si) and be immune to Single Event Effects (SEE) like latch-up or burnout.
- Extreme Temperatures: From deep-space cold to sun-facing panel heat, supplies must operate reliably across wide thermal ranges.
- Shock, Vibration & Vacuum: Mechanical durability is vital during launch and in-orbit operation. Additionally, low outgassing materials are essential to protect sensitive instruments.
- Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP): Every gram and watt matters in satellite design. Efficiency and compact form factor are not optional, they’re mission critical.
- Limited Production, Zero Failure: Unlike commercial electronics, space systems are often built in small volumes, with the expectation of near-zero failure rates over years of operation.
Proven Design Approaches for Space-Qualified Power
When designing space-grade power supplies, engineers must balance multiple factors radiation tolerance, mechanical integrity, thermal management, and mission-specific constraints. The choice of construction technique directly impacts size, cost, qualification time, and long-term reliability. Here’s a closer look at the three dominant design methodologies:
Full Hybrid Construction
Full hybrids are fully integrated power modules where all circuit elements semiconductors, passive components, transformers, and magnetics are embedded in a hermetically sealed package using thick-film or thin-film technology.
Advantages:
- Superior reliability: With minimal interconnects and controlled internal construction, these modules exhibit lower failure rates and longer MTBF, ideal for high-stakes missions.
- Radiation hardness: Hybrids are often built with radiation-tolerant materials and layouts that limit SEE vulnerability.
- Thermal performance: Hermetically sealed cases with direct thermal paths support efficient heat dissipation in vacuum environments.
Use Cases: Deep-space probes, defense satellites, and long-duration orbital missions where performance, environmental resilience, and pedigree are prioritized over cost and lead time.
Full hybrids are fully integrated power modules where all circuit elements—semiconductors, passive components, transformers, and magnetics—are embedded in a hermetically sealed package.
The SVLHF5015S DC-DC converter is a prime example of a radiation-hardened hybrid solution, built for extreme space environments. It meets stringent space-grade requirements and provides excellent thermal performance in conduction-cooled conditions.
Hybrid Assemblies
Hybrid assemblies combine pre-qualified hybrid DC-DC converter modules with discrete control circuitry and support components mounted on a PCB or chassis. This semi-modular approach provides flexibility in design while leveraging the proven performance of hybrid cores.
Advantages:
- Design scalability: Engineers can add EMI filtering, voltage trimming, telemetry, or additional regulation stages without developing a full custom module.
- Faster development cycles: By using off-the-shelf hybrid power blocks, project timelines are shortened while maintaining reliability.
- Optimized cost-performance ratio: Perfect for small satellite constellations or multi-instrument payloads with diverse power needs.
Use Cases: Earth observation satellites, communications platforms, LEO constellations, and university-led or startup-driven New Space missions that need balance between risk, cost, and reliability.
This semi-modular approach combines hybrid power modules with additional control or filtering features.
The VSCF20-28 EMI Filter is ideal for integration with hybrid assemblies to ensure minimal conducted emissions in compliance with space EMC requirements. Its compact footprint and rugged design make it a preferred choice for both LEO constellations and more advanced payloads.
Full Discrete Designs
Discrete designs involve building the entire power conversion circuitry from individual components, allowing for complete customization of the power topology. These designs often require extensive engineering and qualification but offer full control over the system.
Advantages:
- Custom voltage rails: Enables precise tailoring of voltage levels, sequencing, redundancy, and power distribution architectures.
- High current/power capability: Particularly suited for electric propulsion systems, high-throughput payloads, or large spacecraft buses.
- Component-level flexibility: Discrete parts allow designers to make changes late in the development cycle or substitute components based on availability or cost.
Challenges: Discrete designs are more prone to layout variability, require more complex analysis (e.g., worst-case, thermal modeling), and are heavier and larger compared to hybrid-based solutions.
Use Cases: High-power payloads, bus converters, electric propulsion subsystems, and special-mission satellites with non-standard input/output requirements.
For missions requiring full design control, discrete solutions are optimal despite their complexity.
The VSC5-2800S DC-DC converter offers a high-efficiency solution for custom or discrete designs, with a 28V input and robust output performance. It is well-suited for power distribution in propulsion modules and high-current subsystems.
How VPT and Horizon Deliver Mission-Critical Power
VPT is recognized globally for its portfolio of radiation-hardened power solutions. As Horizon Electronics’ exclusive space partner in Israel, we deliver VPT’s technology to local integrators and R&D teams ensuring compliance with international standards like MIL-PRF-38534 Class K, NASA and ESA guidelines, and space TOR requirements.
VPT Space Power Highlights:
- Radiation-Hardened DC-DC Converters: Qualified up to 100 krad(Si) and SEE-immune up to 85 MeV·cm²/mg.
- Wide Input Ranges: Designed for satellite bus voltages (e.g., 28V, 50V, 70V).
- Thermal & EMI Performance: Space-optimized layouts for conduction-cooled environments and minimal electromagnetic interference.
- Low Outgassing Materials: All products meet NASA outgassing standards for contamination-sensitive payloads.
- RLAT Tested Components: Radiation Lot Acceptance Testing ensures batch-level radiation compliance for non-hardened elements.
SVFL283R3S is a reliable low-voltage DC-DC converter, offering outstanding radiation tolerance and thermal stability. It is ideal for powering logic circuits or subsystems with tight voltage regulation needs.
Whether your needs center on communications satellites, Earth observation missions, or defense-related orbital assets VPT solutions delivered via Horizon ensure total reliability and readiness.
Application Areas: From LEO to Deep Space
Horizon and VPT support a wide range of space programs, including:
LEO Satellites
In lower orbits, where radiation is moderate but launch shock and thermal cycling are frequent, modular hybrid power systems ensure long-term stability.
Earth Observation Platforms
Satellites for meteorology, agriculture, and surveillance demand low-noise, ultra-efficient converters for sensitive payloads like optical sensors and radars.
Deep-Space Probes
Extreme TID environments and mission durations make radiation hardening and MTBF critical. VPT’s Class K hybrid power modules excel here.
Military and Defense Spacecraft
In ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) and secure comms applications, SWaP optimization, redundancy, and immunity to space radiation are non-negotiable.
At Horizon Electronics, we go beyond distribution. We serve as technical collaborators offering:
- Engineering consultations for early-stage power architecture
- Local inventory and logistics for streamlined procurement
- Custom system integration support
- Application-matching expertise, ensuring each converter or module fits both mission and compliance requirements
As the exclusive representative of VPT in Israel, we’re proud to support leading Israeli defense and space organizations with globally trusted power solutions.
Conclusion
Powering the next generation of space missions requires more than just components it demands precision engineering, radiation-tolerant performance, and partners you can trust.
Whether you’re designing a CubeSat, launching a constellation, or leading a long-range interplanetary project, Horizon Electronics and VPT deliver space-qualified power solutions engineered for mission success.
Ready to explore high-reliability, radiation-hardened DC-DC converters and modular power systems for your next space project?
Contact us to discuss your application and get personalized engineering support.
