EPC Space Launches High-Performance Radiation-Hardened DC-DC Controller with Reference Design (08/2025)

EPC Space introduces the EPCS4001, a radiation-hardened, high-frequency buck converter controller developed for demanding space and high-energy physics applications. Together with the EPCSC401 reference design, engineers gain access to a complete, tested, and ready-to-deploy solution for efficient and compact power conversion.

Robust Design for Extreme Environments
The EPCS4001 is a rad-hard CMOS ASIC, co-developed with CERN, and designed to work seamlessly with EPC’s GaN-based rad-hard power stage family EPC7011L7. This two-component solution offers a highly reliable point-of-load converter architecture tailored for operation in challenging radiation and magnetic environments.

Key Features of the EPCS4001

  • Wide input voltage range: 18 V to 50 V with adjustable 12 V output
  • High switching frequency: 0.5 MHz to 3 MHz for use with compact inductors
  • Integrated bias regulators: On-chip 12 V and 5 V linear regulators
  • Built-in protection and telemetry: UVLO, over-temperature protection, and Power Good monitoring
  • Radiation and magnetic tolerance: Designed for very high-radiation conditions and magnetic fields above 40,000 Gauss
  • Full compatibility with EPC GaN power stages for compact, efficient solutions

EPCSC401 Reference Design
The EPCSC401 48 V-to-12 V buck converter showcases the full performance of the EPCS4001 and EPC7011L7 family. It offers:

  • Pre-optimized PCB layout for maximum efficiency
  • Compatibility with cored and coreless inductors, supporting high magnetic field applications
  • Verified thermal performance with conduction cooling and integrated heatsinking for space environments

Applications

  • Spacecraft power systems
  • High-energy physics instrumentation
  • Radiation-tolerant point-of-load converters
  • Defense and aerospace systems requiring high efficiency in compact form factors

The EPCS4001 controller and EPCSC401 reference design are available now, enabling faster design integration and reliable power conversion in the most demanding applications.