High power TVS devices address demanding lightning protection in aircraft

Microsemi has announced the availability of two new versions of its TVS devices in its patented plastic large area device (PLAD) package. The 18kW MPLAD18KP and 36kW MPLAD36KP TVS families meet today’s demanding lightning protection requirements in aircraft, including the multi-strike lightning standard (RTCA DO-160E), which have grown in importance as a result of the introduction and growing use of composite body airframes. “Our new high power TVS devices are critical for addressing multiple-stroke and multiple-burst events on aircraft, and leverage our team’s deep expertise in this important area of protection for customers,” said Christophe Warin, director of strategic marketing for Microsemi. “In addition to enabling these customers to meet the rigorous RTCA DO-160 section 22 standard for aircraft design, the MPLAD18KP and MPLAD36KP TVS families offer an efficient low-profile package design in standoff voltage selections of 14 volts (V) to 40 V in either unidirectional or bidirectional construction.” The 18kW MPLAD18KP and 36kW MPLAD36KP TVS devices are designed for a variety of applications within the aerospace market, including engine control units, actuator controls, power distribution, power density improvements, environmental controls, communications and instrumental systems. These TVS products, together with the recently launched aerospace power core module with integrated FPGA and hybrid power drive, form an integral part of the power drive electronics architecture on more electric aircraft. The release of these products further emphasizes their continued development in intelligent power solutions to meet the demand for increased levels of reliability and integration in the area of power electronics.