Interpoint Introduces

Off-the-Shelf, Space Qualified

Power Conversion Products

Redmond, WA March 10, 1997 - Interpoint, a Crane Co. company, now introduces a new line of off-the-shelf, radiation hardened DC/DC power converters and EMI filters fully qualified to MIL-PRF-38534 Class K for space applications.

"As the traditional leader in providing high reliability, small size and light weight power conversion products for military/aerospace applications, this move represents a natural growth for us. We are the only facility in the country currently manufacturing a standard line of products fully qualified to Class K for commercial and military space applications," announced David Uvelli, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Interpoint. "Previously," he said, "Class K converters were manufactured on a custom basis at astronomical prices. By purchasing products from our new off-the-shelf line of space qualified products, the design engineer will save both the time and expense associated with traditional custom power solutions."

Two converters and a filter are currently available for order, with four additional products to be introduced throughout 1997. All products employ thick-film hybrid technology for space-level reliability. Small product footprints save precious board space, and light product weight keeps launch costs to a minimum. All products function over the full military temperature range of -55° C to +125° C.

Interpoint offers the new converters in three environmental screening levels and three levels of radiation tolerance guarantees (see chart above). "O" environmental screening incorporates Interpoint’s standard screening process. Products purchased with "H" or "K" environmental screening are compliant with MIL-PRF-38534’s Class H or Class K.

Additionally, there are three radiation tolerance screening levels. Products screened to the "O" radiation tolerance level are not guaranteed to survive radiation events. These products are electrically and mechanically comparable to the radiation hardened products and recommended for prototype systems. Level "L" radiation screening guarantees function with up to 50 k Rads (Si) total dose with no SEU guarantee. Level "R" radiation screening guarantees function with up to 100 k Rads (Si) total dose and an SEU guarantee.

Interpoint constructs the units with the appropriate levels of tested components, depending on the environmental and radiation tolerance screening levels. All H and K level components incorporate established reliability components, QPL (Qualified Parts List) components, and components from QML (Qualified Manufacturers List) manufacturers whenever possible. Class H and K units also utilize various element evaluation components. To ensure the highest quality, Interpoint limits the number of component vendors to a select few and employs tight material control procedures. Products built to radiation screening level R incorporate radiation hardened MOSFETS from tested lots. All marking inks are NASA-approved and thermally cured to meet NASA’s Total Mass Loss (TML) requirements.

Radiation analysis/worst case analysis, derating analysis, electrical/thermal analysis, MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures), and FMEA (Failure Mode Effects Analysis) reports are available with products ordered to the higher screening levels.

The SMHF DC/DC converter delivers up to 15 watts of output power with single outputs of 3.3, 5, 12 or 15 VDC. Dual output versions with outputs of ± 12 and ± 15 are also available. SMHF converters measure just 1.125" x 1.46" x 0.325" and weigh 30 grams.

SMSA DC/DC converters provide up to 5 watts of output power in single or dual output configurations of 5, 12 or 15 VDC. Converters measure 1.075" x 1.075" x 0.27" and weigh a light 15 grams.

The SFMC EMI filter is compatible for use with both the SMSA and the SMHF converters to meet MIL-STD-461 CEO3. The maximum current is 2.7A, minimum attenuation is 50 dB at 400 kHz to 50 MHz, and the filters are available in flanged or non-flanged packages to provide flexible mounting options. The SFMC measures 1.125" x 2.125" x 0.417" and weighs just 55 grams.

Interpoint’s compliancy to MIL-PRF-38534 Class K and new space-level products are based on customer demand, Uvelli said. The explosive growth of the space market over the past year contributed to Interpoint's decision to provide Class K products. "Numerous customers with space programs have requested Class K qualified, radiation hardened converters and filters," Uvelli stated.

Class K and Class H manufacturing, environmental screening, and documentation are defined by the Defense Supply Center, Columbus in MIL-PRF-38534. Class K (formerly known as Class S) is the final step above Class H (formerly Class B) in product reliability qualifications. Product designed to Class K standards are specifically for programs where a component must perform without failure for the life of the mission in harsh radiation environments.

Products are priced between $1,000 and $10,000 each in quantities of 1 to 5, depending on environmental screening and radiation tolerance levels. For additional information on Interpoint's Class K qualified power conversion products for space programs, contact Interpoint's Sales Team.