Space Power Conversion Electronics (SPCE)

Background
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting research proposals for the development of compact point of load (POL) voltage converters that are radiation-tolerant and efficient. The Space Power Conversion Electronics (SPCE) program aims to demonstrate a 48 V-to-1 V POL converter with radiation-tolerance > 75 MeV-cm2/mg linear energy transfer (LET) heavy ion/proton radiation, efficiency > 85 %, and compactness with power density >500 W/in3.

Grant Details
The SPCE program seeks to develop radiation-tolerant high-voltage transistors with high performance and the integration technology to enable compact, high conversion ratio POL converters for space applications. The program will be a 50-month program encompassing two main technical areas (TA): TA1 - Radiation-tolerant High-performance High-voltage Transistor and High-efficiency POL DC-DC Converters, and TA2 - Fundamental Device Exploration. Performers will deliver the prototype device/circuits to the government for validation by an independent organization.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), government entities, and other applicants. Collaborative efforts are encouraged. University or non-profit research institutions with proposals selected for negotiation may include effort categorized as fundamental research.

Period of Performance
The estimated period of performance start is May 2023. The SPCE program will have end-of-phase review meetings scheduled approximately two months before the end of each phase, and technical progress will be monitored through bi-monthly teleconference calls and occasional site visits by the DARPA program manager and other members of the Government team.

Grant Value
Approximately $63M of total funding is anticipated for awards made against this BAA, with multiple awards anticipated. The funding type for Technical Area 1 (TA1) is anticipated to be restricted research for all performers/team members, while for Technical Area 2 (TA2), it is anticipated to be fundamental research for all performers/team members.