Power modules for second generation O3b broadband satellites
Vicor is providing key power management modules for the second generation of communications satellites launched last week.
European operator SES successfully launched the first two of 11 O3b mPOWER satellites, manufactured by Boeing, into Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) on December 16th. The mPOWER satellites aim to provide broadband connectivity with roundtrip latency of less than 150 milliseconds via 5,000 digitally formed beams to a dedicated ground infrastructure when it starts operation in Q3 of 2023.
The radiation tolerant modules are used to power communications ASICs and FPGAs that require a very low-noise operating environment enabled by Vicor’s soft-switching, high-frequency ZCS/ZVS power stages using SM-ChiP ball grid array thermal packaging.
The complete source-to-point-of-load solution comprises four SM-ChiP modules powering the ASICs and FPGAs from a 100V bus: the BCM3423, a 100V input, 300W, K=1/3 bus converter; the PRM2919, a 33V input 200W regulator; a VTM2919 150A current multiplier with an output of 0.8V; and a VTM2919 50A current multiplier with an output of 3.3V.
“With our second-generation O3b mPOWER, we are bringing game-changing technology that delivers a unique combination of multiple gigabits per second of throughput at any location, guaranteed reliability and service flexibility that is a first in the industry,” said Steve Collar, CEO of SES.
“Whether we are enabling governments to carry out critical missions securely, cruise operators to provide high-speed broadband access to passengers at all times, or mobile network operators to deploy 4G/5G networks in underconnected areas or restore communications networks in down time, O3b mPOWER is the satellite system of choice for applications where performance matters most.”
“From concept to reality, the partnership with SES while developing the first-of-its-kind technology has been remarkable,” said Jim Chilton, Senior Vice President of Boeing Space and Launch. “The next few months will be another critical collaboration period as we prepare the next nine satellites for launch and enable these first satellites to fulfill their mission to connect people around the world.”
The power modules, manufactured in Andover, Massachusetts, are rated for operation from –40 to 125°C.
www.vicorpower.com; www.ses.com
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