Rad-Hard Buck Controller Built for GaN-Based PoL Conversion

Announcements ALERT! Community is fighting spam attacks at present. Read updates here. Introducing the RIC70849: A radiation hardened buck controller built for GaN-based PoL conversion Introducing the RIC70849: A radiation hardened buck controller built for GaN-based PoL conversion Introducing the RIC70849 from Infineon HiRel: a new, radiation hardened, synchronous buck controller with integrated gate drivers. Rad-hard-by-design, the RIC70849 was engineered to meet the rigors of space and other extreme environments. Unique for its GaN compatibility and optimization of space-grade Point of Load (PoL) conversion, the new HiRel device brings Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) advantages to modern payload requirements. Download the datasheet and continue reading to learn more about Infineon HiRel’s latest device. Key features The RIC70849 is electronically screened and qualified to MIL-PRF-38535, Class V with DLA certification pending. Designed to operate across the full military temperature range of -55°C to +125°C, the buck controller delivers reliable performance where it matters most. Standout features include: Wide input voltage range supporting nominal 5 V and 12 V inputs, with an absolute maximum of 17.1 V Programmable switching frequency from 100 kHz to 2 MHz — set with a single resistor or synchronized to an external clock for multiphase operation Integrated half-bridge gate driver with 2 A source/sink drive strength Fixed-frequency peak current mode control with adjustable slope compensation for stable operation across a wide range of conditions Optional load-line regulation (AVP/droop) to dynamically adjust output voltage based on load current, significantly reducing required output capacitance Radiation hardened characterized to a TID to 100 krad(Si) and SEE immunity up to an LET of 81.9 MeV·cm²/mg Download the RIC70849 datasheet to explore the full electrical specifications and radiation performance data. Ideal applications: Powering the brains of modern spacecraft The RIC70849 was purpose-built for point-of-load (PoL) power conversion in space-grade systems. Its output voltage range of 0.6 V to 5.25 V makes it an ideal match for the core rails of space-rated FPGAs, ASICs, DSPs, and microcontrollers — the processing engines at the heart of digital payload systems and distributed satellite power architectures. Whether you're designing for a high-throughput imaging payload or a next-generation communications satellite, the RIC70849 provides the precision, protection, and programmability your system demands. Multiple integrated fault protections — including overcurrent protection and power good signaling — further enhance system reliability in mission-critical designs. GaN compatibility: Unlocking next-level efficiency One of the most compelling advantages of the RIC70849 is its native compatibility with GaN HEMTs, including Infineon's own IR HiRel rad hard GaN device — the industry’s first internally manufactured, JANS qualified GaN transistor. The integrated gate driver is optimized with a 4.8 V drive voltage specifically tailored to the switching characteristics of GaN transistors. Why does this matter? GaN switches offer low switching losses, high switching frequencies, and reduced passive component sizes. Paired with the RIC70849's wide frequency programmability and small minimum on-time (27 ns), designers can achieve higher power density, smaller form factors, and improved efficiency — all critical advantages when mass and volume are at a premium in space applications. Optional external gate drive resistors on both GH and GL allow designers to fine-tune switching speed, balancing efficiency against EMI and voltage ringing requirements.  Accelerate your design with the evaluation board Ready to get hands-on? Infineon's evaluation platform for the RIC70849 lets engineers quickly validate performance and iterate on designs without starting from scratch. The eval board is designed to demonstrate the controller's full capability alongside rad hard GaN switches, giving your team a fast path from concept to flight-ready hardware. Download the user guide to learn more and request your board today. Conclusion The RIC70849 expands Infineon HiRel’s rad hard IC portfolio to meet a full range of applications for advanced FPGAs. Available as an engineering model ( RIC70849F ) and as a fully screened device (5962R2320602VXA) qualified to MIL-PRF-38535 Class V (DLA certification pending), the RIC70849 offers a reliable and innovative solution for next-generation space systems. Topics Copy Link You must be a registered user to add a comment. If you've already registered, sign in. Otherwise, register and sign in.