Integrated Actuation Power Solution Aims to Simplify Aviation Industry’s Transition to More Electric Aircraft
April 17 2024 - 7:00AM
The aviation industry’s requirements for the latest, most efficient
and lowest-emission aircraft is propelled by an overarching goal
towards sustainability and decarbonization. To satisfy these goals,
aviation power systems developers are transitioning to electric
actuation systems as the trend towards More Electric Aircraft (MEA)
continues to grow. To provide the aviation industry with a
comprehensive electric actuation solution, Microchip Technology
(Nasdaq: MCHP) today announces a
new
integrated actuation power solution that combines
companion gate driver boards with our expansive Hybrid Power Drive
(HPD) modules in silicon carbide or silicon technology with a power
range of 5 kVA to 20 kVA.
The new integrated actuation power solution maintains the same
footprint regardless of the power output. The companion gate driver
boards are designed to be integrated with Microchip’s HPD modules
to provide an all-in-one motor drive solution for the
electrification of systems such as flight controls, braking and
landing gear. Microchip’s power solutions are designed to scale
based on the requirements of the end application, from smaller
actuation systems for drones to high-power actuation systems for
Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, MEA and
all-electric aircraft.
“We developed the companion gate driver boards to be used with
our existing HPD modules to bring to market a plug-and-play power
solution for MEA,” said Leon Gross, vice president of Microchip’s
discrete product group. “With this solution, customers no longer
need to design and develop their own drive circuitry, which can
reduce design time, resources and cost.”
These high-reliability devices are tested to conditions outlined
in DO-160, “Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for
Airborne Equipment.” There are multiple protection features
including shoot-through detection, short circuit protection,
desaturation protection, Under Voltage Lock Out (UVLO) and active
miller clamping.
The gate driver boards are designed to be driven
with external PWM signals based on Low Voltage Differential
Signaling (LVDS) compliant with TIA/EIA-644 for low Electromagnetic
Interference (EMI) and good noise immunity. The gate driver board
provides differential outputs for telemetry signals like DC bus
current, phase current and solenoid current by taking feedback from
shunts present in the HPD module and DC bus voltage. It also
provides direct output of two PT1000 temperature sensors available
in the HPD power module.
The companion gate driver boards are low-weight, low-profile and
compact solutions to optimize size and power efficiency of
actuation systems. The gate drivers are designed to operate
throughout the temperature range of −55°C to +110°C, which is
critical for aviation applications that are often exposed to harsh
environments.
The isolated companion gate driver boards only require a single
15V DC input for the control and drive circuit; all additional
voltages needed are generated on the card. This significantly
reduces the number of system components and simplifies system
cabling.
Microchip provides comprehensive solutions for MEA by
integrating power products with FPGAs, microcontrollers, security,
memory and timing. Microchip’s solutions are designed to help
customers speed up their development, reduce costs and get to
market faster.
Support and Resources
The companion gate driver boards are supported with detailed
data sheets and device models.
Pricing and Availability
The companion gate driver boards and accompanying HPD modules
are available in production quantities. For additional information,
contact a Microchip sales representative.
Resources
High-res images available through Flickr or editorial contact
(feel free to publish):
- Application image:
www.flickr.com/photos/microchiptechnology/53415024168/sizes/l
About Microchip
Technology:Microchip Technology Inc. is a
leading provider of smart, connected and secure embedded control
solutions. Its easy-to-use development tools and comprehensive
product portfolio enable customers to create optimal designs which
reduce risk while lowering total system cost and time to market.
The company’s solutions serve approximately 125,000 customers
across the industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace and defense,
communications and computing markets. Headquartered in Chandler,
Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with
dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the
Microchip website at www.microchip.com.
Note: The Microchip name and logo, the Microchip logo are
registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the
U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein
are the property of their respective companies.
Editorial Contact: |
Reader Inquiries: |
Kim Dutton |
1-888-624-7435 |
480-792-4386 |
|
kim.dutton@microchip.com |
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