Circuit Protection for Advanced Aircraft - A Functional and Historical Perspective

Aircraft power distribution systems traditionally have been controlled by the use of electromechanical devices. Advances in solid state and computer technology now offer the potential for fully automatic control. Solid state power controllers (SSPC) are now emerging to meet this need. By prudent SSPC design, it is possible to gain the control advantages offered by solid state technology while at the same time retaining the protection advantages of traditional circuit breakers.

This paper describes the key features of circuit breakers in use today that should be considered critical and incorporated into the SSPC specifications for future aircraft as well as describing the special features possible with SSPC's.