Airbus and STMicroelectronics (also known as STM) have signed an agreement to cooperate on research and development about power electronics, to support lighter and more efficient power electronics, which will prove essential for hybrid-powered aircraft and full-electric urban air vehicles in the future.
The collaboration will build on evaluations already conducted by both companies, to explore the benefits of wide bandgap semiconductors like silicon carbide and gallium nitride, for aircraft electrification. Wide bandgap semiconductors have superior electrical properties compared to regular semiconductors like silicon. They enable the development of smaller and lighter electronic devices that are more power efficient and high-performance, particularly in applications requiring high power, high frequency or high temperature operations.
The co-operation will focus on developing silicon carbide and gallium nitride devices, packages and modules adapted for Airbus’ aerospace applications. The companies will conduct advanced research and test on demonstrators to assess the components.
“Cooperating with Airbus, a global leader in the aerospace industry, gives us the opportunity to define together new power technologies the industry needs to realise its decarbonisation goals,” said Jerome Roux, president of sales and marketing at STM.
Sabine Klauke, Airbus’ chief technical officer, said: “This collaboration with STMicroelectronics, a global leader in power semiconductors and wide bandgap technologies, will be key to support Airbus’ electrification roadmap.”