Steve Taranovich

Phoenix

Technical Writer at Freelance

Freelance technical writer, published author of "Guardians of the Right Stuff", Former editor-in-chief, and IEEE long island chairman educational activities

Articles

Power Density in NASA Small Spacecraft Systems

2 weeks ago | electronicdesign.com | Steve Taranovich

NASA Ames' recent SmallSat program focused on Lunar exploration, with the Lunar Prospector's launch in January 1998. LCROSS explored the lunar landscape in June 2009. In September 2013, the LADEE program explored the lunar landscape. What's a CubeSat? The CubeSat nanosatellites have a standard size and form factor. CubeSat size has a "one unit" or "IU" measuring 10 × 10 × 10 cm, with the ability to extend to larger 1.5, 2.3.6, and 12U sizes.
Megawatt HVDC Cable Power-Density Considerations for the Moon and Mars

4 weeks ago | electronicdesign.com | Steve Taranovich

COMSOL Multiphysics software, for example, offers a way to design and assess affordable bipolar HVDC cables for power transmission below the lunar surface with an emphasis on its electrical insulation difficulties. At a voltage level of up to ±10 kV, these cables are intended to transfer power at medium power (500 kW) and high power (1 MW). Ultimately, such cables offer a viable solution for power transmission on the Moon.
How to Predict and Suppress Electromagnetic Interference

1 month ago | electronicdesign.com | Steve Taranovich

Users may obtain parameter values via a recursive analytical characterization process that's based on a scattering parameter (S-parameter) measurement, in which the CMC was measured in a self-styled open-circuit (OC) configuration. EMI Effects in Wireless Healthcare Equipment and EnvironmentsStandard electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) tests will provide guidance for evaluating the electromagnetic immunity of electrical/electronic equipment.
The GaN Advantage in DC-DC Power Converters

1 month ago | electronicdesign.com | Steve Taranovich

The latest benchmark is at 100 V via Infineon's BSC060N10NS3-G, which has a figure of merit (FOM) of 0.072 Ohm-mm 2. Compared to International Rectifier's IRF100 FOM of 4 Ohm-mm 2, it's close to the theoretical limit for silicon (Si) devices.
Pushing the Power Density in Outer Space Systems

1 month ago | electronicdesign.com | Steve Taranovich

Another application-the electrical power system (EPS) in spacecraft-provides electrical power to all vehicle loads and is vital for the safe completion of NASA-defined missions. The EPS encompasses electrical power generation, distribution, and storage. The EPS is also a major fundamental subsystem and comprises a large portion of volume and mass in any kind of spacecraft.
Popular Methods to Mitigate Electromagnetic Interference

Mar 23, 2025 | electronicdesign.com | Steve Taranovich

What you'll learn: What is electromagnetic compatibility? Common techniques used to reduce EMI. How MOSFET EMI can impact switch-mode power supplies. This article presents methods that will help lower or even eliminate pesky EMI, leading to robust electronic designs. Defining EMCElectromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is defined as the capability of electrical equipment and systems to function competently in an electromagnetic environment.
GaN HEMTs Bring Low-Noise Power to Switching Apps

Mar 13, 2025 | electronicdesign.com | Steve Taranovich

LLC converters can combine a linear network (i.e., a resonant tank and transformer) with both passive and active switches. The LLC resonant converter is nothing like standard switching converters, since it's able to control the output voltage via selecting the appropriate frequency for a switching signal. DOSA Standardization for Power ConvertersThe Distributed-Power Open Standards Alliance (DOSA) promotes DC-DC product standardization and compatibility in power converters.
GaN Power FETs for LiDAR Sensors

Mar 3, 2025 | electronicdesign.com | Steve Taranovich

The Fundamentals of LiDAR SensorsLiDAR sensors use light in the form of a pulsed laser to detect the presence of objects surrounding a vehicle and precisely map the distances to them. The onboard computer will be able to interpret the vehicle's relation to its surroundings.
Now and into the Future

Feb 24, 2025 | electronicdesign.com | Steve Taranovich

The next ISS is in the proposal stage right now. NASA's Commercial LEO Development Program is planning to support the development of commercially owned and operated LEO destinations, from which NASA, together with other customers, will be able to purchase services and stimulate the growth of commercial activities in LEO.
Stemming the EMI Tide in Submarines

Feb 14, 2025 | electronicdesign.com | Steve Taranovich

Submarine EMI Strategies and ChallengesThere are challenges analogous with subsea EMI mitigation. 8 Designers are researching strategies that are based on lessons learned during the design and testing phases of submarine systems for a wide range of subsea applications. Compared to terrestrial applications, EMI and EMC standardization is quite narrow in subsea applications. Thus, mitigation strategies are often reactive rather than preventative.