Aircraft manufacturer Airbus is collaborating with semiconductor company STMicroelectronics to develop advanced power electronics for electrified aircraft powertrains. The collaboration will focus on developing components for Airbus’ hybrid and all-electric aircraft powertrains.
According to the aircraft manufacturer’s announcement, the components will be both silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) based semiconductors. SiC semiconductors are already used in series-produced electric cars (especially in 800-volt models) because they are more efficient than semiconductors made of pure silicon. This increases the performance at the same weight or can make the components lighter. Since less waste heat is generated due to the higher efficiency, the cooling system can also be designed smaller and lighter. Weight and installation space are also important factors in (partially) electric aircraft.
Gallium nitride, which is not yet so widespread, at least in the mobility world, also offers these advantages. GaN transistors can be smaller and more efficient and should therefore also be cheaper at system level. When German chipmaker Infineon announced its acquisition of GaN Systems this March, higher power density, higher efficiency and reduced sizes “especially at higher switching frequencies” were also cited as advantages of the material.
Airbus and STMicroelectronics have already conducted evaluations in recent months “to explore the benefits of wide bandgap semiconductor materials for aircraft electrification”. The new cooperation now builds on this preliminary work: The collaboration will focus on developing SiC and GaN devices, packages and modules suitable for Airbus’ aerospace applications. “The companies will assess these components by conducting advanced research and tests on demonstrators, such as e-motor control units, high and low voltage power converters, and wireless power transfer systems,” the statement said.
“This collaboration with STMicroelectronics, a global leader in power semiconductors and wide bandgap technologies, will be key to support Airbus’ electrification roadmap,” said Sabine Klauke, Airbus Chief Technical Officer. “Leveraging their expertise and experience in power electronics for automotive and industrial applications with our own record in aircraft and VTOL electrification will help us accelerate the development of the disruptive technologies required for the ZEROe roadmap and CityAirbus NextGen.”
“STMicroelectronics is the market leader at the cutting edge of the development of innovative power semiconductors with higher-efficiency products and solutions based on advanced materials, such as Silicon Carbide and Gallium Nitride. We already have a strong, transformational presence in mobility and industrial applications, reinforced by a vertically integrated global SiC supply chain, to support our customers globally with electrification and decarbonisation,” said Jerome Roux, President, Sales & Marketing, STMicroelectronics. “Aerospace is a highly demanding market with specific requirements. Cooperating with Airbus, a global leader in this industry, gives us the opportunity to define together new power technologies the industry needs to realise its decarbonisation goals.”
Keyword: Airbus & STMicroelectronics to develop power electronics