Transphorm's GaN Empowers AES Latest Large Passenger Aircraft
December 18, 2019
Product
Using GaN FETs help increase overall system efficiency by over 10% compared to legacy Silicon-based solutions.
AES Aircraft Elektro/Elektronik System released its first 650 V GaN-based power supplies for the aviation industry using Transphorm’s JEDEC- and AEC-Q101-qualified high-voltage gallium nitride (GaN) power semiconductors. These Switch-Mode Power Supplies serve aircraft such as the Airbus A318-A321, A330, A340, A380, and Boeing’s B767, B787 VIP aircraft. Transphorm’s GaN FETs help increase overall system efficiency by over 10% compared to Silicon-based solutions.
AES’ 500W PS250X and 1200W PS6120 GaN-based power modules accept from 96Vac to 130Vac at 360Hz to 800Hz, with a 28Vdc continuous output of 15 amps for the 500 W system and 42 amps for the 1200 W system. The DO-160-compliant supplies meet the standards of the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA), which outline system impact and performance under various external and internal conditions on aircraft, from pressure and temperature to voltage spikes and RF emissions.
Presented as the first passively-cooled power system in its power class, the 500W PS250X deploys GaN devices in a single-phase CCM boost power factor correction (PFC) topology, with over 92% overall system efficiency at full load. The 1.4 kg (~3 lbs) system also yields a more than .98 power factor and 200 mVpp nominal at 115 VAC/400 Hz input at full load. The 1200W PS6120 has a fan-cooled, three-phase CCM boost PFC topology offering over 91.5% overall system efficiency at full load. The 4.0 kg (~8.8 lbs) PS6120 has the same power factor and nominal ripple voltage at 115 VAC/400 Hz input at full load as the PS250X 500 W PSU.
