Aerospace & Defense Power Solutions
High-reliability power solutions engineered for the extreme requirements of aerospace and defense applications. Our power modules meet rigorous specifications for space, aviation, and military applications where performance and reliability are critical.
Power Solutions for Extreme Environments
Aerospace and defense applications demand power solutions that perform flawlessly in the most challenging conditions: extreme temperatures, high vibration, radiation exposure, and vacuum environments. Our power modules are designed and tested to meet these rigorous requirements while delivering the high efficiency and power density essential for weight and space-constrained systems.
From commercial aviation to space exploration, from ground-based radar systems to naval vessels, our solutions provide the reliability and performance that mission-critical applications demand.
Application Categories
Satellite & Spacecraft
Power systems for satellites, launch vehicles, and spacecraft with radiation-hardened options and extreme temperature operation.
Key Requirements:
- Radiation tolerance
- Extreme temperature range
- High reliability
- Low EMI/EMC
- Low mass
Specific Applications:
- LEO/MEO/GEO Satellites
- Launch Vehicles
- Space Station Systems
- Deep Space Probes
Avionics Systems
Power for flight control, navigation, communication, and mission computers in commercial and military aircraft.
Key Features:
- DO-160 compliance
- Fast transient response
- Low EMI for sensitive receivers
- Wide input voltage range
- Extended temperature operation
Target Applications:
- Flight Control Computers
- Navigation Systems
- Communications
- Radars & Sensors
UAV & Drone Systems
High-efficiency power for unmanned aerial vehicles with weight optimization and extended flight endurance.
Key Characteristics:
- High power density
- Lightweight design
- Efficient power conversion
- Compact form factor
- Battery management
Specific Uses:
- Surveillance Drones
- Delivery UAVs
- Combat Drones
- Mapping Systems
Defense Electronics
Power systems for radar, electronic warfare, and military communication systems requiring high reliability and EMI performance.
Essential Qualities:
- MIL-STD compliance
- High vibration tolerance
- Shock resistance
- EMI/RFI control
- Harsh environment operation
Military Applications:
- Radar Systems
- Electronic Warfare
- Communications
- Weapon Systems
Missile & Projectile Systems
Extremely compact and rugged power solutions for guided weapons and projectile applications.
Specific Requirements:
- High shock tolerance
- Fast startup capability
- Minimal size/weight
- Instant-on operation
- Storage life capability
System Types:
- Guided Missiles
- Projectile Fuze Systems
- Smart Munitions
- Warhead Electronics
Technology Advantages for Aerospace
High Efficiency & Power Density
Our ZVS technology and ChiP packaging deliver the highest efficiency and power density:
- Up to 96% efficiency reduces thermal management
- ChiP packaging maximizes power in minimal space
- Reduced system weight through higher density
- Less energy waste in thermal-limited environments
- Cooler operation in vacuum environments
Low EMI Performance
Soft-switching ZVS technology significantly reduces EMI:
- Essential for sensitive avionics receivers
- Meets stringent aerospace EMI requirements
- Less filtering required in system design
- Improved system integration compatibility
- Reduced risk of electromagnetic interference
Harsh Environment Reliability
Designed for extreme conditions with enhanced reliability:
- Operation from -55°C to +125°C (more with derating)
- High vibration and shock tolerance
- Hermetically sealed options available
- Enhanced Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF)
- Designed for 15-20+ year mission life
Fast Transient Response
Critical for sensitive aerospace systems:
- Immediate response to load changes
- Preserves power delivery network dynamics
- Fast recovery from disturbances
- Essential for digital systems and radars
- Stable operation under dynamic loads
Recommended Products for Aerospace Applications
BCM/QBCM Series
Bus Converter Modules with current multiplication for high-current applications with galvanic isolation.
- Current multiplication with isolation
- High efficiency up to 97%
- Compatible with harsh environments
- Excellent for high-current applications
DCM Series
Fixed-ratio bus converters with galvanic isolation for simple, efficient power conversion.
- Fixed-ratio conversion
- Galvanic isolation
- High efficiency up to 96%
- Simple implementation
ChiP Packages
Converter in Package technology for maximum power density in minimal space.
- Maximum power density
- Minimal external components
- Low EMI due to small loop area
- Surface mount for reliable installation
VTM Modules
Vicor Transformer Modules for current multiplication in Factorized Power Architecture.
- Current multiplication
- Galvanic isolation
- Preserved dynamics
- For high-current applications
PRM Regulators
Regulated bus converters that work with VTMs in Factorized Power Architecture systems.
- Precise regulation
- Works with VTMs
- High efficiency
- Fast transient response
Custom Solutions
Tailored for specific aerospace and defense requirements including screening and special packaging.
- Application-specific design
- Specialized testing
- Custom screening levels
- Unique form factors
Compliance & Qualification Standards
| Standard/Requirement | Relevance | Vicor Compliance | Additional Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| DO-160 | Environmental Conditions for Airborne Equipment | Design practices aligned | Specialized testing available |
| MIL-STD-704 | Aircraft Electrical Power Characteristics | Wide input range options available | Custom compliance solutions |
| MIL-STD-461 | EMI/EMC for Military Systems | Low EMI due to ZVS technology | Enhanced filtering available |
| AS9100 | Quality Management for Aviation | Manufactured to AS9100 standards | Full traceability available |
| MIL-PRF-38534 | General Specification for Hybrid Microcircuits | Applicable for hybrid solutions | Class H and K variants available |
| DEF STAN 00-18 | UK Ministry of Defence Quality Requirements | Compliance via design practices | Qualification assistance available |
Aerospace Design Considerations
Thermal Management
Special considerations for aerospace environments:
- In space applications, rely on radiation for heat dissipation
- For aviation, consider convection and conduction cooling
- High-altitude operation reduces convective cooling efficiency
- Thermal cycling in orbit applications
- Thermal shock during launch phases
Reliability & Redundancy
Strategies for ensuring high-reliability operation:
- Detailed reliability predictions (MTBF)
- Derating components for longer life
- Redundant power system design
- Self-diagnostics and health monitoring
- Fail-safe operational modes
Radiation Effects
Understanding and mitigating radiation exposure:
- Total Ionizing Dose (TID) effects
- Single Event Effects (SEE) considerations
- Selection of radiation-tolerant components
- Shielding strategies
- Operational margin planning
Launch Environment
Surviving the extreme launch environment:
- High acceleration forces during launch
- Acoustic vibration during liftoff
- Pyro-shock from stage separation
- Vibration across wide frequency range
- Ensuring no mechanical resonance
Specialized Support for Aerospace Programs
Program Engineering
Assigned engineers dedicated to your specific aerospace program with specialized knowledge of space and defense requirements.
Screening Services
Additional screening levels available including space grade options with detailed reporting and lot traceability.
Testing Support
Assistance with qualification testing and support for environmental, EMI, and performance validation.
Life Cycle Management
Long-term supply assurance for programs spanning decades with obsolescence management.
Design Review
Comprehensive design reviews including thermal, EMI, and reliability assessment.
Documentation Package
Complete documentation package meeting aerospace program requirements.
Power Mission-Critical Aerospace Systems
Our aerospace specialists have decades of experience powering space missions, defense systems, and aviation applications. Contact us for application-specific recommendations and specialized support.