On the Design of a Multiple-Output DC/DC Converter for the PHI Experiment On-board of Solar Orbiter

Power converters for experiments that have to fly on board space missions (satellite, launchers, etc.) have very stringent requirements due to its use in a very harsh environment. The selection of a suitable topology is therefore not only based on standard requirements but additional more strict ones have also to be fulfilled. This work shows the design procedure followed to build the Power Converter Module (PCM) for the Polarimetric and Helioseismic Imager (SO/PHI), experiment on board the Solar Orbiter Satellite. The selected topology has been a Push-Pull, for a power level of approximately 35 W and with seven output voltages. Galvanic isolation is needed from primary to secondary, but not between each secondary. Coupled inductors between all outputs have allowed reducing cross regulation. The main design problems solved have been reduction of parasitic capacitance of magnetic elements and peak current control and closed loop design when coupling all output inductors together.