Airbus and STMicroelectronics collaborate on power electronics

     Airbus, a global aerospace pioneer, and STMicroelectronics, a global leader serving multiple electronics applications, have recently signed an agreement to collaborate on power electronics research and development to promote more efficient and lightweight power electronics, which will be critical for the future development of hybrid aircraft and pure electric urban aircraft.

     Prior to signing the cooperation agreement, the two sides have fully evaluated the benefits of wide band gap semiconductor materials for aircraft electrification. Compared with traditional semiconductor materials such as silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN), wide bandgap semiconductors offer superior electrical properties, enabling the development of smaller, lighter, and more efficient high-performance electronic devices and systems, especially for applications requiring high power, high-frequency, or high-temperature switching operations.

     The project revolves around the development of aero-grade SiC and GaN power devices, packages and modules for Airbus. The two companies will conduct advanced research tests on physical demonstration devices such as motor control units, high and low voltage power converters, and radio energy transmission systems to evaluate the performance of the power components.

     Airbus Chief Technology Officer Sabine Klauke said: "Being able to work with ST, the world leader in power semiconductors and wide bandgap technology, is crucial to advancing Airbus' electrification development plans. ST's expertise in automotive and industrial power electronics, combined with Airbus' expertise in the electrification of aircraft and vertical take-off and landing aircraft, will help us accelerate the development of disruptive technologies to advance the ZEROe zero Emission aircraft program and CityAirbus NextGen next generation urban Airbus."

     Jerome Roux, President of ST Sales & Marketing, said: "ST is a technology development and innovation pioneer in the power semiconductor market, dedicated to developing more efficient semiconductor products and solutions using advanced materials such as silicon carbide and gallium nitride. Our high market share of automotive and industrial-grade power chips plays an important role in facilitating product transformation, and we reinforce this advantage by vertically integrating the global SiC supply chain to support our global customers' transition to electrification and green low-carbon. The airline industry is a demanding market. "Partnering with Airbus, a global aviation leader, gives us the opportunity to jointly develop new power electronics to help the aviation industry achieve its energy saving and carbon reduction goals."