Current Limiting Diode (CLiDe)

The Consortium of Aero Engine Controls (AEC), Raytheon Systems Limited (RSL), Semelab Limited and Newcastle University intend to develop a SiC Current Limiting Diode (CLD) for inclusion in Engine Control Electronics that will provide lightning protection. All airborne electronics are susceptible to extreme environments including the secondary effects of lightning. Currently Transient Voltage Suppression (TVS) diodes are fitted but have limitations at high temperature and with the increased lightning induced pulses of modern composite built aircraft; this will be resolved by CLD devices.
The consortium has the correct mix to asses the academic component development, fabricate a die solution, package the device and build into representative circuits based on today’s applications and to test the functionality. Exploitation is widely expected for most Airborne LRUs beyond engine control units.