Microchip Technology has developed a new integrated power solution tailored for the aviation industry's shift towards electric actuation systems in More Electric Aircraft (MEA). This solution combines companion gate driver boards with Microchip's Hybrid Power Drive (HPD) modules, available in silicon carbide (SiC) or silicon (Si) technology, covering a power range from 5 kVA to 20 kVA. The companion gate driver boards seamlessly integrate with Microchip's HPD modules to create a user-friendly motor drive solution for various aircraft systems such as flight controls, braking, and landing gear. These components are scalable, suitable for smaller actuation systems like drones, all the way up to high-power systems for Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft and MEA.
Key features of the gate driver boards include multiple protection mechanisms like shoot-through detection, short circuit protection, and desaturation protection, ensuring reliable performance in demanding aviation environments. They operate effectively across a wide temperature range from −55°C to +110°C, meeting critical requirements for aircraft applications. The gate driver boards use Low Voltage Differential Signaling (LVDS) compliant with TIA/EIA-644 standards, minimizing Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and ensuring good noise immunity. They provide differential outputs for telemetry signals such as DC bus current and phase current, leveraging feedback from shunts in the HPD module and DC bus voltage. The boards also support direct temperature monitoring with two PT1000 temperature sensors from the HPD power module.
Designed for optimized size and power efficiency, these companion gate driver boards are compact and lightweight. They simplify system design by requiring only a single 15V DC input for control and drive circuits, reducing complexity and making installation easier.
Availability:
The companion gate driver boards and HPD modules are available for purchase in production quantities. For more details, please reach out to a Microchip sales representative.
