Column: Airspace


Because the VoloCity is an eight-rotor design, this requires the batteries to supply about 200kW for each motor


integrity of the vehicle’s electrical system. T ey must provide accurate measurements whist maintaining isolation from the high- voltage power source. Similarly, isolated high-voltage current


sensors can measure system current whilst providing protection for the sensitive electronic components against the eff ects of high-voltage transients. In addition, galvanically-isolated gate drivers can replace a typical discrete driver/opto- isolator combination in the motor power stage, as a space-saving solution to separate the low-voltage control circuits from the high-voltage power ones. T e isolation helps prevent voltage transients and electrical faults from propagating between


the two sections, as well as protecting against potentially damaging high-voltage spikes and noise that can cause false triggering of the power switches, which can result in poor motor effi ciency and reduced performance.


Evolving standards As with overall functional safety, components must be specifi ed appropriately for UAM use and must be supported by the corresponding documentation. It is natural to assume that the aviation industry’s general standards apply; however, electric air mobility vehicles are a new category. Regulations covering airworthiness and safety, managed


VisionEngineering Mantis Mach Show advert 24 180x125 copy.pdf 1 21/03/2024 16:07


Figure 2: Texas Instrument TMCS1101/ TMCS110-Q1 isolated current sensor. It features 600V and 3kVRMS basic isolation between the current path and the circuitry


by bodies like the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), will continue to evolve to better fi t these vehicles’ characteristics and usage.


C M Y CM MY CY CMY K


www.electronicsworld.com March 2024 15


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