Microchip releases radiation-hardened MOSFET for space applications

Power supplies in space applications operate in environments that require enhanced radiation technology to withstand extreme particle interactions and solar and electromagnetic events. These events degrade space-based systems and disrupt operations.

To meet this requirement, Microchip Technology Inc. announced the qualification of its M6 MRH25N12U3 radiation-hardened 250V, 0.21 Ohm Rds(on), metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) for commercial aerospace and defense space applications.

Microchip’s radiation-hardened M6 MRH25N12U3 MOSFET provides the primary switching element in power conversion circuits including point-of-load converters, DC-DC converters, motor drives and controls, and general-purpose switching.

The MOSFET also withstands the harsh environments of space, extends reliability of power circuitry, and meets all requirements of MIL-PRF19500/746 with enhanced performance. Microchip completed testing for Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) review and qualification, for the device’s sourcing in the U.S. military supply chain (expected JANSR2N7593U3 certification in June 2021).

The M6 MRH25N12U3 MOSFET is designed for future satellite system designs, as well as serving as an alternate source in existing systems.

The device can withstand total ionizing dose (TID) up to 100 and 300 krad, and single event effects (SEE) with linear energy transfer (LET) up to 87 MeV/mg/cm². It provides 100-percent wafer lot radiation hardness assurance in validation tests.

“Microchip’s entry into the radiation-hardened MOSFET market reflects our long-term commitment to support our customer base and provide aerospace and defense OEMs and integrators with high-performance solutions and continuous supply,” said Leon Gross, VP of Microchip’s Discrete Product Group business unit. “In addition to our proven quality and reliability, the M6 MRH25N12U3 provides a value pricing option for developers and offers them full application support.”

The M6 MRH25N12U3 is part of Microchip’s broad portfolio of aerospace, defense and space technology that includes field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), microprocessor integrated circuits (ICs), linear ICs, power devices, discretes, and power modules that integrate SiC and Si power solutions.

Together, with its microcontrollers (MCUs) and analog products, Microchip serves the needs of high-power system control, gate drive and power stage — supporting developers worldwide with total system solutions.