Low Power Distribution Module for Space Applications: Analysis and Comparison of Different Architectures and DC/DC Topologies

The goal of this paper is to analyze and compare different possibilities for the specific design of the DC/DC Power Distribution Module for Space Application. Two architectures and, among them, four well known isolated (Half-Bridge, Push-Pull, Forward with Active Clamp (FWAC) and Flyback with Active Clamp (FLAC)) and nonisolated (Buck and Synchronous Buck) DC/DC topologies are analyzed and compared in terms of efficiency and size, meanwhile taking care of the cost, design time, reliability and flexibility of the whole system. In order to validate presented theoretical results, laboratory prototype for FWAC topology for 28V, 1:75A converter is built and measured. The prototype?s minimal 92:3% and maximal 93:2% efficiency match pretty good with expected 92:9% and 94%, respectively.