Abstract: A method of monitoring the temperature of a solid state switch in an aircraft solid state power controller. The method includes: measuring an electric current (I) flowing through the solid state switch; calculating, based on the measured electric current (I), an introduced electric power (Pel) that is introduced into the solid state switch within the predefined time period (?t); calculating an increase in temperature (?T) of the solid state switch that is caused by the introduced electric power (Pel); calculating an actual temperature (Tact) of the solid state switch by adding the calculated increase in temperature (?T) to an ambient temperature (Tamb); and comparing the calculated actual temperature (Tact) with a predefined temperature threshold (Tth) and determining an overheat condition if the calculated actual temperature (Tact) exceeds the predefined temperature threshold (Tth).

Abstract: In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a power system for a vehicle is disclosed. The system can include, one or more power distribution sources configured to supply electrical power to one or more power districts. One or more power conversion devices can be housed within a respective power district. In embodiments, the power district can be configured to allow for managing a draw by a respective one or more loads within the respective power district. The one or more power conversion devices can be configured to receive electrical power from one or more of the one or more power distribution sources, convert the electrical power to a secondary form, and then the converted electrical power to the one or more loads within the respective power district. In embodiments, a logic module can be operatively connected to the one or more power districts, configured to control at least a load draw.

Abstract: A system includes a mechanical switching device having a first moveable contact operatively connected to selectively contact a first static contact. A second moveable contact is operatively connected to selectively contact a second static contact that is electrically connected in parallel with the first static contact. The first and second moveable contacts are mechanically connected to each other to move between a closed circuit position and an open circuit position. The first moveable contact contacts the first static contact before the second moveable contact contacts the second static contact as the first and second moveable contacts move into the closed circuit position from the open circuit position. The first moveable contact disconnects from the first static contact after the second moveable contact disconnects from the second static contact as the first and second moveable contacts move from the closed circuit position into the open circuit position.

Abstract: A drive system for a switch can include a control module configured to control, directly or indirectly, a state of a switch between a first state and a second state. The drive system can also include a transition timing system configured to measure a transition time that the switch is in transit between the first state and the second state.

Abstract: A dongle for connecting a computerized device to a certified unit under test (UUT) includes a computerized device communication port and a UUT communication port. The dongle also includes a communication module operatively connecting the computerized device communication port and the UUT communication port. The communication module includes an internet protocol (IP) module that supplies an IP address to a computerized device connected to the computerized device communication port, wherein the IP address enables the computerized device to receive signals from and/or send signals to the UUT.

Abstract: A system includes a mechanical switching device having a first moveable contact operatively connected to selectively contact a first static contact. A second moveable contact is operatively connected to selectively contact a second static contact that is electrically connected in parallel with the first static contact. The first and second moveable contacts are mechanically connected to each other to move between a closed circuit position and an open circuit position. The first moveable contact contacts the first static contact before the second moveable contact contacts the second static contact as the first and second moveable contacts move into the closed circuit position from the open circuit position. The first moveable contact disconnects from the first static contact after the second moveable contact disconnects from the second static contact as the first and second moveable contacts move from the closed circuit position into the open circuit position.

Abstract: A system includes a mechanical switching device having a first moveable contact operatively connected to selectively contact a first static contact. A second moveable contact is operatively connected to selectively contact a second static contact that is electrically connected in parallel with the first static contact. The first and second moveable contacts are mechanically connected to each other to move between a closed circuit position and an open circuit position. The first moveable contact contacts the first static contact before the second moveable contact contacts the second static contact as the first and second moveable contacts move into the closed circuit position from the open circuit position. The first moveable contact disconnects from the first static contact after the second moveable contact disconnects from the second static contact as the first and second moveable contacts move from the closed circuit position into the open circuit position.

Abstract: A system includes a mechanical switching device having a first moveable contact operatively connected to selectively contact a first static contact. A second moveable contact is operatively connected to selectively contact a second static contact that is electrically connected in parallel with the first static contact. The first and second moveable contacts are mechanically connected to each other to move between a closed circuit position and an open circuit position. The first moveable contact contacts the first static contact before the second moveable contact contacts the second static contact as the first and second moveable contacts move into the closed circuit position from the open circuit position. The first moveable contact disconnects from the first static contact after the second moveable contact disconnects from the second static contact as the first and second moveable contacts move from the closed circuit position into the open circuit position.

Abstract: An electronic label system is provided. The electronic label system includes a line replaceable unit. The electronic label system also includes an electronic label communicatively coupled to the line replaceable unit via a hardware link. The electronic label stores information respective to the line replaceable unit. The electronic label includes a chip or a radio frequency identification tag that provides the information to a reader.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a single event latchup (SEL) recovery circuit, a microprocessor operatively connected with the SEL recovery circuit, and an output maintenance circuit that maintains a state of the microprocessor prior to a power cycle of the microprocessor. The apparatus is configured to detect a SEL event or other fault via a watchdog circuit, initiate a power cycle of the microprocessor, retain a latch state from the microprocessor, and determine whether the microprocessor was restarted due to an SEL event. Responsive to determining that the microprocessor has failed to restart due to a persistent fault, the apparatus determines whether a prepower cycle limit is reached within a predetermined span of time, and selectively provide power to a load based on the latch state and the power cycle limit determination.

Abstract: An electronic label system is provided. The electronic label system includes a line replaceable unit. The electronic label system also includes an electronic label communicatively coupled to the line replaceable unit via a hardware link. The electronic label stores information respective to the line replaceable unit. The electronic label includes a chip or a radio frequency identification tag that provides the information to a reader.

Abstract: A power dissipation monitoring method includes receiving a measurement of current flow through an electrical device and calculating heat dissipation from the electrical device using the current flow measurement. The calculated heat dissipation is displayed on a user interface in real-time with acquisition of the current measurement. Power dissipation monitoring system and electrical load managements systems are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a single event latchup (SEL) recovery circuit, a microprocessor operatively connected with the SEL recovery circuit, and an output maintenance circuit that maintains a state of the microprocessor prior to a power cycle of the microprocessor. The apparatus is configured to detect a SEL event or other fault via a watchdog circuit, initiate a power cycle of the microprocessor, retain a latch state from the microprocessor, and determine whether the microprocessor was restarted due to an SEL event. Responsive to determining that the microprocessor has failed to restart due to a persistent fault, the apparatus determines whether a prepower cycle limit is reached within a predetermined span of time, and selectively provide power to a load based on the latch state and the power cycle limit determination.

Abstract: A power dissipation monitoring method includes receiving a measurement of current flow through an electrical device and calculating heat dissipation from the electrical device using the current flow measurement. The calculated heat dissipation is displayed on a user interface in real-time with acquisition of the current measurement. Power dissipation monitoring system and electrical load managements systems are also described.

Abstract: A system for mitigating a solid state power controller (SSPC) open or closed state change caused by single event latchup (SEL) includes an ON circuit, an OFF circuit operatively connected in parallel to the ON circuit, a holding capacitor operatively connected in parallel with the ON circuit and the OFF circuit, and a power switching device operatively connected to the holding capacitor and the ON circuit. The system is configured to maintain, during and after the SEL, a drive state voltage to the power switching device that is stored in the holding capacitor prior to the SEL.

Abstract: A system for mitigating a solid state power controller (SSPC) open or closed state change caused by single event latchup (SEL) includes an ON circuit, an OFF circuit operatively connected in parallel to the ON circuit, a holding capacitor operatively connected in parallel with the ON circuit and the OFF circuit, and a power switching device operatively connected to the holding capacitor and the ON circuit. The system is configured to maintain, during and after the SEL, a drive state voltage to the power switching device that is stored in the holding capacitor prior to the SEL.

Abstract: A solid state power controller (SSPC) for soft start of a direct current (DC) link capacitor of a DC power distribution system includes a power input connected to a DC power source of the DC power distribution system; a plurality of power switches arranged in parallel, the plurality of power switches being connected to a power output of the SSPC, the power output being connected to the DC link capacitor; and an SSPC controller configured to: pulse width modulate the plurality of power switches with a phase-shifted sequence in a current limiting mode; determine whether soft start is complete; and in response to determining that the soft start is complete, turn on the plurality of switches at a maximum gate-source voltage.

Abstract: A solid state power controller (SSPC) for a direct current (DC) electrical system includes a high bandwidth fault detector, the high bandwidth fault detector configured to detect a possible fault and place a power switch of the SSPC in saturation at a predetermined current limit; and a low bandwidth fault detector, the low bandwidth fault detector configured to determine whether the possible fault is a confirmed fault, and in the event the possible fault is determined to be the confirmed fault, turning off the power switch, or in the event the possible fault is determined not to be the confirmed fault, turning on the power switch at a minimum on-resistance.

Abstract: A direct current (DC) power distribution system includes a first electrical distribution and power management (EDPM) unit including a first DC power source connected to a first high voltage DC bus connected to a first DC load, and a first bus-tie solid state power controller (SSPC) connected to the first HVDC bus; a second EDPM unit including a second DC power source connected to a second high voltage DC bus connected to a second DC load, and a second bus-tie SSPC being connected to the second HVDC bus; and a bus-tie connected between the first bus-tie SSPC and the second bus-tie SSPC, wherein in the event a power source failure occurs in the first EDPM unit, power flows from the second DC power source to the first HVDC bus via the second bus-tie SSPC, the bus-tie, and the first bus-tie SSPC.

Abstract: A solid state power controller (SSPC) for detecting a parallel arc fault in a direct current (DC) power distribution system includes an input, the input being connected to a DC power source; a power switch connected to the input; an output connected to the power switch, the output being connected to a DC motor controller and associated capacitive load; an output current sensor; an output voltage sensor; and an SSPC controller, the SSPC controller being configured to determine the presence of a parallel arc fault in the DC power distribution system and control the power switch via a gate drive based on inputs from the output current sensor and the output voltage sensor.