Compact power supply provides off-the-shelf solution for aerospace applications

Citation

(2001), "Compact power supply provides off-the-shelf solution for aerospace applications", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 73 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2001.12773fad.004

Compact power supply provides off-the-shelf solution for aerospace applications

Compact power supply provides off-the-shelf solution for aerospace applications

Keywords: Io Limited, Power supply

Io Ltd has announced an off-the-shelf 100W power supply for aerospace applications, reportedly providing a highly cost effective solution for converting the standard 115 VAC/400 Hz aircraft bus supply into 28VDC (see Plate 3).

Believed to be the first commercial product for this application to comply with MIL-STD-704E, novel construction techniques make the module both compact and lightweight. With application potential further boosted by the elimination of forced-air cooling – the supply is thought to be a versatile component for both new aircraft projects and refurbishment programs.

Plate 3 Io's new power supply offers off-the-shelf solutions for aerospace applications, including the integration of COTIS equipment

Moreover, the design is said to allow optional DC output levels such as +5 and +12 VDC to be provided – creating an economic means of supporting the trend to integrate commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment.

MPS28-100 operates from a 115 VAC/400 Hz input, delivering up to 100W continuous output power at +28VDC. Alternatively, the supply may be specified with single or dual custom DC outputs, to power commercially-sourced avionic systems components such as mass storage or networking peripherals.

The module is stated to comply with the MIL-STD-704E power supply standard, and includes the ability to withstand input power outages of up to 50 milliseconds. MPS28-100 is additionally said to meet MIL-STD-461C/461D standards for aircraft EMC, and harsh environmental specifications including BS 3G 100 and the "robust vibration" requirements of RTCA DO-160C.

The power supply employs a custom three-sided extrusion which doubles as both a case and a heat-sink for convection-cooling, to provide users with a compact and easy to install solution. Overall, the complete module measures 7 x 19 x 25.3cm/2.75 x 7.5 x 10in, and weighs 2.8 kg/6.2 lbs; the case design allows for the use of Fairchild mounting fasteners if required.

Developed from a design produced for the UK's Nimrod MRA4 maritime patrol aircraft program, Io Ltd's new power supply is supplied with comprehensive QA and user documentation to meet the needs of long life-cycle commercial and military projects.

The original concept was produced by Io Ltd's custom design team as the encompassing solution to the Nimrod MRA4's distributed power supply requirements, which includes the use of numerous items of COTS equipment.

Further details are available from Io Ltd. Tel: +44 (0) 1638 742390; Fax: +44 (0) 1638 743821; E-mail: roger.kemp@ioltd.co.uk; Web site: www.ioltd.co.uk/cots.html