When it comes to mission-critical technology, power management isn’t just a detail—it’s the backbone of every aerospace, defense, or satellite platform. The emergence of Frontgrade Technologies’ new PSM28 Power Supply Module is a clear signal to the industry: the future of compact, intelligent power is already here for space and SWaP-constrained systems.
Compact Power Built for Extreme Demands
Engineered specifically for unmanned aerial systems, small satellites, and advanced electronic warfare platforms, the PSM28 stands out for its small form factor and robust output—delivering up to150W of tightly regulated voltage within VITA 90 VNX+ compliant chassis. That means critical missions get the reliability and efficiency needed, but in a fraction of the physical volume required by legacy power systems.
Gallium Nitride: The Secret Sauce for Efficiency
What truly sets this module apart is its GaN (Gallium Nitride) power conversion technology. Unlike traditional silicon, GaN-based circuitry enables higher power densities and significantly lower heat output. This translates to less need for bulky cooling systems and allows for longer equipment lifecycles with improved performance—a decisive advantage in high-stakes, space-constrained environments like satellites or UAVs. The PSM28’s electromagnetic (EM) filtering further ensures stable operation even under harsh conditions.
Built-In Intelligence for Modern Missions
Integrated with the UT32M0R500 ARM Cortex-M0+ microcontroller, the PSM28 delivers a leap in power management intelligence. This embedded controller provides real-time telemetry, temperature sensing, and advanced fault diagnostics. In essence, the system constantly monitors itself, allowing operators to spot issues before failure, optimize power use, and even schedule maintenance proactively rather than reactively. This predictive maintenance capability is fundamental for reducing mission risk and ensuring uninterrupted operation in orbit or in the sky.
Modular, Scalable, and Ready for the Future
The PSM28 is more than just “smart power.” It’s a plug-and-play solution designed to seamlessly integrate with Frontgrade’s MAMBA initiative (Modular Applications for Mission processing with a Bifurcated Architecture). This means integrators can scale missions rapidly, adding or swapping modular payloads and processors as needed, with power distribution that adapts to any configuration. The module provides three flexible 12V outputs ideal for building complex, scalable mission platforms, perfectly aligned with VNX+’s next-gen hardware modularity.
Designed for Harsh Realities
In environments where excess weight and wasted volume are deal-breakers, VNX+ standards ensure maximum system performance packed into the smallest, most rugged footprint possible. The PSM28 module is purpose-built for these harsh realities—whether it’s for an autonomous drone, next-generation Earth imaging payload, or an electronic warfare pod deployed in close quarters. Its compact and shielded architecture also makes it well-suited for multi-domain operations and rapid mission reconfiguration.
Not Just Evolution—Revolution
Frontgrade’s PSM28 isn’t another incremental update; it’s a bold step forward in how power is designed, delivered, and managed for the aerospace and defense sectors. With its combination of compactness, efficiency, intelligence, and modularity, the PSM28 sets a new standard for what mission-critical power technology should offer as we enter an era marked by demands for agility, reliability, and electronic sophistication.
This launch is more than just a product announcement—it’s an invitation to reimagine how tomorrow’s missions get—and stay—powered up.
