Abstract: A solid state power control scheme is provided with a ground fault interrupt function. Essentially, if a neutral wire is associated with the power supply, the current is sensed in that neutral wire. The sensed neutral wire current is subtracted from a summed current on the power supply lines. If that result is greater than a predetermined limit, then the ground fault function is actuated and the circuit is opened. For power supplies, both those with and without neutral wires, the current is sensed by a shunt resistor on the power supply line.

Abstract: A positioning device for positioning a positioning element has a motor (18) that drives the positioning element (10) and has a measuring device that directly measures the positioning travel of the positioning element for controlling the motor (18). For this, a traction cable (32) is joined to the positioning element and is wound onto a drum (36). For measuring the positioning travel of the positioning element, the rotational position of the drum (36) is measured by means of an encoder (42).

Abstract: A method of controlling a solid state power controller includes selectively allowing a transient current through a solid state power control switch in response to the transient current exceeding at least one threshold.

Abstract: An aircraft power distribution system is disclosed that includes a power distribution box. A generator supplies power to the power distribution box, and a load receives power from the power distribution box. The power distribution box includes a board supporting plug-in pins receiving the power. A contactor is supported by the board to selectively providing power to a secondary power distribution connector supported on the board. The board includes power traces that are run within the board to connect the plug-in pins to the secondary power distribution connector. Protection and secondary power distribution circuitry is also supported by the board and connected to the contactors and/or power traces by control traces. The power and control traces eliminate loose wiring and harnesses.

Abstract: A solid state power control scheme is provided with a ground fault interrupt function. Essentially, if a neutral wire is associated with the power supply, the current is sensed in that neutral wire. The sensed neutral wire current is subtracted from a summed current on the power supply lines. If that result is greater than a predetermined limit, then the ground fault function is actuated and the circuit is opened. For power supplies, both those with and without neutral wires, the current is sensed by a shunt resistor on the power supply line.

Abstract: A bus bar assembly for a power distribution system is disclosed that includes first and second bus bars electrically isolated from one another. The bus bars are interconnected by a semiconductor switching element that is mounted on at least one of the first and second bus bars. In one example, the semiconductor switching element is a bare die that is secured directly to one of the first and second bus bars, for example, by a copper pad. A driver logic control device is in communication with the semiconductor switching element. The driver logic control device is configured to drive the semiconductor to electrically connect the first and second bus bars in response to a command to provide power to an aircraft component, such as a secondary power distribution box.

Abstract: A method of controlling a solid state power controller includes determining whether a voltage across a switch of the solid state power controller is within a predetermined voltage threshold. If the voltage is outside of the predetermined voltage threshold, the current is limited to a non-zero current. As result of this method a SSPC in Offstate stays off and a SSPC in Onstate stays on during lightning events.

Abstract: A universal input/output module may be tailored to enable or disable a pull-up or pull-down function such that distinct type digital signals reaching the digital signal processor may be changed such that the distinct digital signals are similar in nature when processed. The digital signal processor is able to enable or disable a pull-down or a pull-up function to provide the ability to universally handle these distinct digital signal types. In other features, a plurality of the modules may be associated with a common power supply, board controller and central communication bus. The input/output modules have applications such as in processing a switch or sensor signal, and outputting a control signal to an associated component.

Abstract: A method of controlling a solid state power controller includes selectively allowing a transient current through a solid state power control switch in response to the transient current exceeding at least one threshold.

Abstract: A universal input/output module may be tailored to enable or disable a pull-up or pull-down function such that distinct type digital signals reaching the digital signal processor may be changed such that the distinct digital signals are similar in nature when processed. The digital signal processor is able to enable or disable a pull-down or a pull-up function to provide the ability to universally handle these distinct digital signal types. In other features, a plurality of the modules may be associated with a common power supply, board controller and central communication bus. The input/output modules have applications such as in processing a switch or sensor signal, and outputting a control signal to an associated component.

Abstract: A solid state power control scheme is provided with a ground fault interrupt function. Essentially, if a neutral wire is associated with the power supply, the current is sensed in that neutral wire. The sensed neutral wire current is subtracted from a summed current on the power supply lines. If that result is greater than a predetermined limit, then the ground fault function is actuated and the circuit is opened. For power supplies, both those with and without neutral wires, the current is sensed by a shunt resistor on the power supply line.

Abstract: An improved EPGS with an integrated electrical system architecture uses SPDAs with localised power converters to provide the necessary types of power to their respective electrical loads so that a single type of primary power bus may be used to connect its PDAs to respective SPDAs.

Abstract: A positioning device for positioning a positioning element has a motor (18) that drives the positioning element (10) and has a measuring device that directly measures the positioning travel of the positioning element for controlling the motor (18). For this, a traction cable (32) is joined to the positioning element and is wound onto a drum (36). For measuring the positioning travel of the positioning element, the rotational position of the drum (36) is measured by means of an encoder (42).

Abstract: An adjusting device has a carriage, at least one guide element, on which the carriage is mounted such that it can be moved, a shifting device for moving the carriage, and a securing mechanism for securing the carriage in a desired position. To provide an improved adjusting device, which has more compact construction and enables a simpler and more precise adjustment without additional contrivances, the shifting device has an electric motor, which is integrated in the carriage, and the securing mechanism blocks any movement of the carriage when the motor stands still and is automatically released when the motor starts running.

Abstract: A power controller includes bond wires that also act as fuses to protect the power controller from damage caused by a short circuit fault. The bond wires connect switching elements within the power controller with at least one output pin having at least one output rating. The bond wires themselves are configured so that the steady state current capability of each bond wire matches the output rating of its corresponding output pin. The power controller measures an output current to a load and adapts its protection functions depending on its programmed output rating. The output rating of the power controller may be controlled by the output rating of a particular pin or the number of switching elements that are turned on within the power controller.

Abstract: An improved communication and control architecture for a secondary power distribution assembly that comprises common dual serial data buses that connect corresponding control processor modules directly to associated solid-state power controllers in a plurality of power modules.

Abstract: An electric power generation and distribution system includes a primary distribution panel, which preferably operates at 230 VAC, and a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) panel in direct electrical communication therewith. The HVDC panels power motor controllers which drive electric motors residing in the center or aft sections of the aircraft. As many of the large electrical loads are located in the aft section of the aircraft, an aft electronics bay is located adjacent the aircraft wing roots to house the primary distribution panels and the HVDC panels.

Abstract: A power controller includes bond wires that also act as fuses to protect the power controller from damage caused by a short circuit fault. The bond wires connect switching elements within the power controller with at least one output pin having at least one output rating. The bond wires themselves are configured so that the steady state current capability of each bond wire matches the output rating of its corresponding output pin. The power controller measures an output current to a load and adapts its protection functions depending on its programmed output rating. The output rating of the power controller may be controlled by the output rating of a particular pin or the number of switching elements that are turned on within the power controller.

Abstract: A circuit board is provided with a plurality of MOSFETs (metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors) each of which include a field effect transistor and an associated control circuit. The control circuits are mounted in a control section of the board remote from a power section mounting the MOSFETs. The present invention reduces the assembly steps required in the prior art wherein the MOSFET and its control circuit were mounted as preassembled units to the board. Moreover, the number of MOSFETs per unit area of board is increased by the present invention.

Abstract: An adjusting device has a carriage, at least one guide element, on which the carriage is mounted such that it can be moved, a shifting device for moving the carriage, and a securing mechanism for securing the carriage in a desired position. To provide an improved adjusting device, which has more compact construction and enables a simpler and more precise adjustment without additional contrivances, the shifting device has an electric motor, which is integrated in the carriage, and the securing mechanism blocks any movement of the carriage when the motor stands still and is automatically released when the motor starts running.