Unmanned Systems Technology 016 | Hydromea Vertex AUV | Power management systems | Unmanned Space Vehicles | Continental CD-155 turbodiesel | Swift 020 UAV | ECUs | DSEI 2017 Show report

voltage under 1 V is a significant part of managing the system. It’s not just the power management that is complicated; so is the cooling of the components, and the control loops are complicated as well, rivalling computer server designs. This is being implemented largely on autonomous platforms intended for ride-sharing services, where the developers say cost isn’t as important as performance. Ride-sharing cars still need to be safe though, as they are of course carrying passengers. For a vehicle to reach the higher ASIL C or D safety certification, all these power management systems need to show several levels of redundancy. That can be implemented using dual controllers, but these also need an independent monitoring network. While the management chips have their own built-in monitoring, if the chip fails then so does the monitoring, so a separate network or set of monitors is needed for more safety. The increased complexity of the electronics is also driving the performance of the PMICs, with more integration for power rails for peripherals with tighter current limits. PMICs also need more functional safety features such as redundancy across the system on chip (SoC) and the PMIC, for example with fault coverage from the SoC checking the operation of the PMIC, and the PMIC checking the SoC. There are various requirements from the sensor module, particularly regarding very tight over- and under- voltage monitoring and requirements for a redundant voltage reference in the system. All of this can be implemented using a power supply with a ‘power good’ signal line, or a reset monitor that flags an error on the output, although the monitor has to be run from a separate reference voltage. Although it can be a simple design in itself, it can complicate the overall system design of the sensor modules, with additional devices Discover more at www.millswoodeng.com.au Generator systems distributed in North America by HFE International – www.hfeinternational.com Generator systems distributed in Australia by Currawong Engineering – www.currawongeng.com On-board electrical power generation for unmanned aircraft 250W Power Management Unit (PMU) includes: • Dual (redundant) battery chargers • Independent Servo, Payload and Avionics power outputs • Software-programmable output voltages • Less than 300grams (11 ounces) Millswood Engineering also designs and manufactures servo power supplies and flight termination subsystems for unmanned applications.