ALISO VIEJO, CA -- Microsemi Corporation announces its aerospace power core module (PCM) with an integrated field programmable gate array (FPGA) and hybrid power drive (HPD) stage. The PCM controls the electrical motors used in applications such as primary flight control actuation, landing gear systems and other systems. The device interfaces seamlessly with both aircraft power supplies and flight controllers, providing vital sensor feedback for health monitoring.
The move toward more electric aircraft (MEA) continues to drive demand for increased levels of reliability and integration in the area of power electronics. Microsemi's new intelligent power solutions™ play an important role in supporting this objective.
According to global market research and consulting company MarketsandMarkets, the actuator, electrical and electronics systems market was valued at $8 billion in 2013 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14 percent to reach $21 billion by 2020. The electrical systems are expected to grow at a CAGR of 16 percent while the electronics components market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 13 percent. Microsemi's product development is aligned with these growth trends as the company continues to innovate intelligent power solutions for a variety of these applications.
Microsemi's new PCM is a highly integrated, flexible and scalable power solution for actuation and power conversion applications, including landing systems, de-icing systems, wheels and braking systems, high lift, and primary and secondary flight control actuation systems. Customization options are also available to ensure a flexible product offering for customers. The PCM developed in partnership with Airbus, for example, has been designed for harsh environments and has undergone a comprehensive application-specific qualification and reliability program.
The Airbus design by Microsemi accommodates a wide range of voltages, including the emerging 540 volt supply rail being introduced on the latest generation of commercial aircraft. The design process is structured on the DO-254 quality standard.
Key features of Microsemi's new aerospace PCM include:
•Fully engineered solution with a high level of integration
•Design optimized for power density, weight, cost and functionality
•Excellent performance, efficiency and reliability
•Customized options available, leveraging standard building blocks and reducing development time and cost
•A range of power options, starting at 5 kVA
•Various data communication bus options available
•Extensive modeling, simulation and analysis support
•Documentation package with qualification and reliability data
•Long-term reliability program
•Partial discharge validation
•Evaluation kit available
Product Availability
Microsemi's aerospace PCM with the embedded HPD is available for sampling. Evaluation kits will be available to order in December. For more information, including datasheets and application notes, visit http://www.microsemi.com/applications/commercial-aviation