Posted on November 7, 2022 Alan Walker
In the aviation and aerospace industries alike, the use of electronics on board has skyrocketed to match improving technology. Though these systems are less visible than jet propulsion technology or airplane wings, they are just as crucial for making spaceflight possible. As such, the electronic systems on board range from propulsion system monitoring and flight control to internal and external communications. To find out more about the use of electronic systems in the aerospace industry, read on as we discuss some of the major functions they fulfill.
Besides finding use on aircraft, electronics are also an essential part of satellite systems that run many different subsystems. Overall, the majority of electronics used comprise a command, control, and communications network. For example, they help establish communications with sensors that measure the satellite’s structural properties. In providing electricity, data, and control to these various subsystems, satellites use many printed circuit boards (PCBs). To accomplish their various tasks, PCB development for satellites has included high-speed and high-density interconnect (HDI) board design and manufacturing.
It is also important to have high-power boards to ensure that all the subsystem boards receive enough power to work effectively. Satellites mainly rely on solar panels as their primary energy source, so a major role of the electronics and PCBs is creating a power distribution network (PDN). By contrast, spaceships rely more on energy conversion for their power, so high-power storage and distribution are needed.
Spaceships contain many electronics and PCBs that control much of the subsystems. In addition to altitude control, the electronics also run data handling, telemetry and telecommand, power supply, structure, thermal, and propulsion. However, dissimilar to satellites, thermal considerations are much more important for spaceships. Due to the high energy requirements for space travel, much of the electronics on board need to be able to withstand large temperature swings along with high heat. Further, spaceships will typically use a liquid fuel source which requires a cold environment and isolation from heat sources within the vessel and from external heat, such as from the sun. Therefore, there must also be electronics systems for close monitoring and temperature control of the liquid fuel.
Just as for other advanced technology systems, satellites and spaceships are dependent upon PCBs and electronics for command, control, communications, power supply and distribution, and structural integrity monitoring. Consequently, this reliance demands that the design and board manufacturing meet high standards. If you are in the market for aviation electronics hardware, Jet Parts 360 has you covered. As a leading supplier of electronics and PCBs that have been evaluated for their use in aircraft, we uphold a strict standard of quality for all our components and practices. We invite you to explore our online catalogs of components organized into sections including many different electronic part types.