With the emergence of solutions that reduce weight and design complexity during the implementation of aircraft electrification, it is expected that aircraft manufacturers will rapidly transition their aircraft control systems from hydraulic to electric.

Microchip Technology (Asia General Manager and Korea Representative Han Byung-don), a global leader in microcontrollers, mixed-signal, analog semiconductors, and Flash-IP solutions, recently announced a new comprehensive hybrid power drive module, the first type of a new family of power devices, to meet the need for integrated and configurable power solutions for aviation applications.

Hybrid power drives are expected to be available in 12 different product types, such as silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs or insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs).

The newly released hybrid power drive module is a highly integrated power semiconductor device that simplifies the overall system design by reducing the number of components. This hybrid power drive module includes a 3-bridge topology provided by SiC or Si semiconductor technology, and reduces the size and weight of the aircraft electric system (MEA) with a compact design and high-reliability power device.

Another key feature of these hybrid power drive modules is the inclusion of various auxiliary power devices that facilitate inrush current limiting. Add-on optional features include soft start, solenoid interface drives, regenerative braking switches, and temperature sensors for external monitoring circuits. Furthermore, the power module enables smaller and more efficient systems through high switching frequency generation capabilities.

The standard voltage of the power module ranges from 650V to 1,200V, and can be custom-made up to 1,700V upon request. This hybrid power drive module was developed for low inductance for high power density and features power and signal connectors that can be directly coupled to the user's printed circuit board (PCB).

Leon Gross, Vice President of Discrete Power at Microchip, stated, “Microchip is focused on developing products that can serve as foundational components for realizing smaller, lighter, and more efficient system solutions in the aviation sector,” adding, “Hybrid power drive modules provide comprehensive power solutions for customers implementing aircraft electrification (MEA).”

Microchip is a proven comprehensive power solution provider. The hybrid power drive module can be easily configured with other Microchip products and components, such as FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), memory integrated circuits, motor drive controllers, and motor drive monitoring integrated circuits.

Microchip provides specialized engineering team members along with detailed specifications, enabling customers to receive assistance with every process required at each stage.

The Hybrid Power Drive Module is currently available for production and quantity orders. For pricing and further details, please contact a Microchip distributor or authorized reseller worldwide, or visit the Microchip website.