integrated solid state power switch for failover protection in an aircraft power distribution system and method for manufacturing an integrated solid state power switch

摘要

INTEGRATED SOLID POWER SWITCH FOR FAULT PROTECTION IN AN AIRCRAFT POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING AN INTEGRATED SOLID POWER SWITCH. The present invention generally relates to aircraft power switches. According to a first aspect, the present invention provides an integrated solid state power switch 200, 300 for fault protection in an aircraft power distribution system. The integrated solid state power switch (200, 300) is formed of semiconductor material 250, 350 which provides a field effect transistor (FET) channel that is operable during device overload conditions to provide a flow path of operating current 242, 342 and a bipolar transistor channel that is operable during device overload conditions to provide an overload current flow path 240, 340. Also described is a method 400 for manufacturing such an integrated solid state power switch. 200, 300, Various embodiments of the invention provide automatic overload current protection for aircraft systems without the need to use bulky switches or heavy refrigeration equipment.