Solid-State Power Controller With Deterministic Hardware Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solid state power controllers for aircraft are complex, prone to failure, and require frequent maintenance due to mechanical and thermomechanical stress, which compromises safety and reliability in electric vehicles like eVTOLs.
Innovation Solution
A solid state power controller with a semiconductor switching unit and a non-programmable state machine that switches between conducting and non-conducting states based on current, temperature, and voltage thresholds, using non-programmable electronic components for deterministic behavior and simplified testing and certification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional solid state power controllers use complex electronics for safety critical functions, then overcurrent protection and redundancy are improved, but device complexity and failure risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex programmable microprocessor-based control systems with a non-programmable state machine implemented in hardware logic. This substitution eliminates software bugs and programming errors while maintaining overcurrent protection and safety functions through deterministic hardware-based state transitions, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simplified non-programmable state machine that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than using complex programmable systems that require extensive testing and certification. This approach reduces overall system complexity while maintaining safety through a straightforward, replaceable component design.
2Reliability
If electromechanical switches and thermal fuses are used for power control, then basic switching and protection functions are achieved, but mechanical complexity, mass, and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromechanical switches with solid-state semiconductor switching devices and replaces thermal fuses with electronic overcurrent detection circuits. This substitution eliminates moving parts, contact erosion, and thermomechanical stress, directly resolving the contradiction between achieving basic protection functions and reducing mechanical complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If programmable microprocessors are used in solid state power controllers, then flexible control and diagnostic functions are improved, but software bugs and design defects increase failure risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces programmable microprocessors with a non-programmable state machine implemented in hardware logic. This substitution eliminates software bugs, programming errors, and design defects while maintaining control functionality through deterministic state transitions based on input conditions, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simplified hardware state machine that replicates the essential control logic without the complexity of programmable systems. This copying approach maintains the necessary control functionality while eliminating the sources of failure associated with software-based systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a solid state power controller (SSPC). The SSPC comprises a power supply line configured to be connected between a power source and a load. Further, the solid state power controller comprises a semiconductor switching unit provided on the power supply line and configured to switch between at least two states according to a command signal. The at least two states include a conducting state and a non-conducting state. Further the solid state power controller comprises a state machine, which is configured to exhibit at least two states, including an ON state and an OFF state. The state machine is further configured to output the command signal according to a current state of the state machine.