SiC Based SSPC for High Voltage Space Applications

This paper proposes a novel High Voltage Solid State Power Controller (HVSSPC) implemented with Silicon Carbide (SiC) power semiconductors for satellite high voltage power distribution architectures. It has two different levels of protection. The lowest level (FPGA control) employs digital control techniques using an FPGA device. The FPGA monitors different variables: voltage, current, temperature and eventually sets the required protection setpoints by means of a decision tree. The highest protection level (Hardware control) just uses discrete devices, keeping a predefined level of protection which is preconfigured. The working mode and parameters of the digital control can be selected by telecommand. The HVSSPC control is very robust, in case of critical failure (control power failure, damages in FPGA, Single Event Effects) the hardware level protection remains working. This two level approach of protection provides improved robustness for critical applications in harsh environments.