On October 15, 2026, Microchip introduced the POL-05-20S-T, a radiation-tolerant gallium nitride point-of-load converter for spaceborne processing systems. It provides up to 20 A continuous output, accepts 4.75–13.2 V input, delivers adjustable 0.7–5 V output, measures 1.51 × 1.51 × 0.45 inches, weighs 25 g, and is available in production quantities.[1]
The converter supports FPGA, ASIC, and MCU core rails and is designed for high-current, fast-transient loads. Microchip characterizes electrical performance through 50 krad total ionizing dose and single-event effects to a linear energy transfer of 43 MeV·cm²/mg; full-load operation spans −55°C to +100°C.[1] These capabilities can increase computing density while reducing power-system mass, but the stated radiation ratings do not by themselves establish suitability for the lunar surface, long-duration habitation, or cumulative multi-century operation.
The Ark team should evaluate the POL-05-20S-T and successor devices in representative lunar thermal-vacuum, dust, radiation, transient-load, and fault-injection tests. Maintain radiation and lifetime derating targets beyond the 50 krad characterization point, qualify redundant power paths for irreplaceable computing and life-support controllers, and track Microchip production continuity, documentation, screening, and long-term availability before incorporating the device into flight designs.[1]