Electronic prognostics for switched mode power supplies

Switching power supplies have become ubiquitous in electronic modules and systems. From converting power types, power levels, or driving actuators, these power converters embody varying topologies but usually have high switching rates of up to 500 KHz, power devices such as MOSFETs, microelectronic components and a mix of passive components that store and release energy. They are complex modules that have an unfortunate history of observed high failure rates, yet they may be required to support critical systems.Electronic prognostics/health management, or ePHM, provides the ability to predict the failure of the electronic before it actually occurs. This paper will examine the considerations associated with key system- and device level prognostics that designers need to evaluate when “PHM-enabling” their power system.