Airbus and STMicroelectronics drive electrification above the clouds forward

The two companies have signed an agreement to collaborate in order to support more efficient and lighter power electronics, which are essential for future hybrid-powered aircraft and fully electric urban vehicles.

Both companies have stated that they have already conducted research to explore the advantages of wide-bandgap semiconductor materials for the electrification of aircraft. Wide-bandgap semiconductors, such as silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN), have better electrical properties compared to traditional semiconductors like silicon. They enable the development of smaller, lighter, and more efficient high-performance electronic devices and systems, especially for applications that require high power, high frequency, or high temperatures.

"This collaboration with STMicroelectronics, a world leader in power semiconductors and wide bandgap technologies, will be crucial in supporting Airbus's electrification roadmap," explains Sabine Klauke, Chief Technical Officer of Airbus. "Combining STMicroelectronics' expertise and experience in power electronics for automotive and industrial applications with our own experience in the electrification of aircraft and VTOL aircraft will help us accelerate the development of the groundbreaking technologies required for the ZEROe roadmap and CityAirbus NextGen."

The cooperation will focus on the development of SiC and GaN components, enclosures, and modules suitable for Airbus aerospace applications. The companies will evaluate these components through advanced research and testing on demonstrators such as e-motor control units, high and low voltage converters, and wireless power transmission systems.

"STMicroelectronics is a market leader in the development of innovative power semiconductors with higher efficiency products and solutions based on advanced materials such as silicon carbide and gallium nitride. We already have a strong, transformative presence in the mobility and industrial applications sector, reinforced by a vertically integrated global SiC supply chain to support our customers worldwide in electrification and decarbonization," says Jerome Roux, President, Sales & Marketing, STMicroelectronics. "The aerospace industry is a highly demanding market with specific requirements. Collaborating with Airbus, a globally leading company in this sector, gives us the opportunity to jointly define new energy technologies that the industry needs to achieve its decarbonization goals."