Standardized High Temperature Actuator Interface

Aircraft with sensors to monitor and actuators to control will benefit greatly from distributed electronic interface modules integrated close to the sensor or actuator. These benefits include improved performance and reliability as well as reduced total ownership cost and the ability to provide an open systems interface to a myriad of different actuators and sensors. The modules provide a digital interface, thereby improving noise immunity and system response. However, the use of distributed electronic interface modules is limited due to the extreme temperature environments the electronics must survive. Orbital Research Inc is proposing the development of a high temperature electronics module that will interface with many common actuators and sensors. The module will communicate on a standard data bus, (e.g.MIL-STD-1553). Operation will be guaranteed up to 400ºF, and will be implemented using an ASIC to reduce component count, increase reliability, and decrease cost. The Phase I program will develop and demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed design and validate performance with laboratory testing. The Phase II effort will complete the engineering design and fabrication of the electronics interfaces and demonstrate effective performance on a variety of sensors and actuators at temperature readying the system for Phase III procurement.