Airbus, a global pioneer in the aerospace industry, and STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor supplier, have signed an agreement to cooperate in power electronics research and development to support more efficient and lighter power electronics, essential for future aircraft with hybrid propulsion and fully electric. urban aerial vehicles.
The collaboration builds on evaluations already conducted by both companies to explore the benefits of broadband semiconductor materials for aircraft electrification.
Broadband semiconductors such as silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) have superior electrical properties compared to traditional semiconductors such as silicon. They enable the development of smaller, lighter, and more efficient high-performance electronic devices and systems, especially in applications that require high-power, high-frequency, or high-temperature operations.
“We already have a strong, transformational presence in mobility and industrial applications, reinforced by a vertically integrated global SiC supply chain, to support our customers globally with electrification and decarbonization,” said Jerome Roux, President of Sales and Marketing at STMicroelectronics. “The aerospace sector is a highly demanding market with specific requirements. Cooperation with Airbus, a global leader in this industry, gives us the opportunity to jointly define new energy technologies that the industry needs to achieve its decarbonization objectives.”
The cooperation will focus on the development of SiC and GaN devices, packages and modules adapted for Airbus aerospace applications. The companies will evaluate these components by conducting advanced research and testing on demonstrators – such as electric motor control units, high- and low-voltage power converters, and wireless power transfer systems.
“This collaboration with STMicroelectronics, a global leader in power semiconductors and broadband technologies, will be instrumental in supporting Airbus’ electrification roadmap,” said Sabine Klauke, Airbus CTO. “Leveraging their knowledge and experience in power electronics for automotive and industrial applications with our own track record in aircraft electrification and VTOL will help us accelerate the development of the disruptive technologies needed for the ZEROe and CityAirbus NextGen roadmap.”
