Microchip introduces Integrated actuating power solutions

     Driven by the important goal of sustainability and emission reduction, the aviation industry needs advanced, efficient and low-emission aircraft. To achieve these goals, aero-power system developers are transitioning to electric actuation systems, driving the multi-electric aircraft (MEA) boom. In order to provide the aviation industry with a comprehensive range of electrical actuation solutions, Microchip Technology announced the introduction of a new integrated actuation power solution. The new solution combines a matching gate drive plate with our extended hybrid drive (HPD) modules using silicon carbide or silicon technology in a power range of 5 kVA to 20 kVA.

     The new integrated actuating power solution maintains the same base surface regardless of the power output. The matching gate drive plates can be integrated with Microchip's HPD modules to provide an all-in-one motor drive solution for the electrification of systems such as flight control, braking and landing gear. Microchip's power solutions can scale depending on the requirements of the end application, from smaller actuator systems for drones to high-power actuator systems for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, MEA, and all-electric aircraft.

     Leon Gross, Microchip's vice president of Discrete Products, said, "The complementary gate driver board we developed works with our existing HPD modules to provide a plug-and-play MEA power solution to the market. With this solution, customers no longer need to design and develop their own drive circuits, reducing design time, resources and costs."

     These highly reliable devices are tested in compliance with the DO-160 Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment and feature a variety of protection features, including breakdown detection, short circuit protection, desaturation protection, undervoltage lock (UVLO) and active miller clamping.

     The grid-driven board is driven by external PWM signals based on TIA/ EIA-644-compliant low voltage differential signals (LVDS), with low electromagnetic interference (EMI) and good noise resistance. The grid driver board provides differential output for telemetry signals such as DC bus current, phase current and solenoid valve current by receiving feedback from the shunt and DC bus voltage in the HPD module. It also provides direct output to the two PT1000 temperature sensors in the HPD power module.

     The accompanying grid drive board is a lightweight, compact solution that optimizes the size and energy efficiency of the actuating system. Gate drivers operate in a temperature range of -55°C to +110°C, which is critical for aviation applications that are often exposed to harsh environments.

     The isolated grid driver requires only 15V DC input for control and drive circuits; All other voltages required are generated on the board. This greatly reduces the number of system components and simplifies system wiring.

     Microchip offers a comprehensive solution for MEA by integrating power products with FPgas, microcontrollers, security, memory, and timers. Microchip's solutions are designed to help customers accelerate development, reduce costs, and get to market faster.