Within the PPU development for a T5 thruster from QinetiQ the Beam Power Supply was identified as the major critical functional block in terms of using planar transformers and GaN transistors in combination with digital control at switching frequencies of up to 1 MHz. Due to this it was agreed to de-risk the development of this functional block for a potential T5 PPU development.

The performance of the Beam Power Supply has been successfully validated.

The use of Planar Transformers and SMT based GaN transistors for such application has proven to meet the mass/volume targets as expected and the stacking approach for the secondary windings does fully support the broad voltage range needed for configuring the different operational points for the thruster.

The next design steps for the development of the pending T5 related functional blocks can be released.

It has successfully validate that the design can be fully based on SMT parts which is the basis for cost effective high volume production. This releases the potential for producing a low cost and low mass PPU for a T5 thruster.

As the design is based on the ASP slot card approach for low power PPU development the follow on activity is to add the pending functionalities for Magnet, Cathode, Anode, Acceleration Grid, Neutralizer and Flow Control, followed by a coupling test of the BB PPU with the T5 thruster. The final target will be a single PCB based EQM; TRL 7