Mohamed Bensetti

Optimised PLC power transfer on avionic DC Power Lines: Coupling circuit and lightning protection

Power Line Communication (PLC) systems are good candidates for next-generation aircraft communication channels. On-board power buses must meet stringent safety requirements that mandate the use of Transient Voltage suppressors (TVS) for lightning protection. These devices strongly degrade the performance of the communication channel. In this paper we analyze the impact of the lightning protection circuit used in aircraft power buses both theoretically and experimentally. It is shown that TVS devices are responsible for distortion and attenuation in the PLC signal band (1 MHz – 100 MHz). We introduce a novel co-design strategy, matching PLC coupler to lightning protection conforming to air travel safety regulations. Our experimental results demonstrate that both constraints can be met using our proposed architecture.

Commercial power line communication adaptation for avionic applications

Aircraft designers believe that Power Line Communication (PLC) technology is a solution to reduce the number of cables aboard. One strategy to implement PLC networks in aircrafts is adapting commercial residential PLC solutions to the avionic environment. We propose in this paper a coupling architecture that improves PLC performance in terms of signal to noise ratio (SNR) when deployed on monofilar avionic networks. We also show that our proposal complies with the aeronautical electromagnetic standard (DO-160) through experimental validation. The proposed coupling architecture is investigated and validated through simulations and measurements. We analyze the performance of the PLC in terms of 3 parameters: S-parameters (transfer function), SNR and currents circulating on the aircraft circuit that must comply with the aeronautical electromagnetic regulations. The study also includes a real case scenario with the presence of a switch-mode power supply, which introduces distortion on the network and deteriorates the PLC performance. A comparison with a standard coupling circuit is performed and the results are promising.

Multiphysics Modeling and Optimization of a Compact Actuation System

This paper describes a methodology for the optimization of complex actuation systems, using analog simulations and an evolutionary algorithm. Our proposal consists of the development of an automated design framework that helps the designer to quickly complete a presizing step while ensuring that multidomain requirements are met within short development times typical of automotive industry. Multiphysics constraints can be handled, allowing the sizing of a complete automotive mechatronic system. The effectiveness of the methodology is demonstrated in the case of an exhaust gas recirculation valve. Electrical, mechanical, thermal, and magnetic requirements are met while a minimal volume is reached.

An Efficient Method for Modeling the Magnetic Field Emissions of Power Electronic Equipment From Magnetic Near Field Measurements

In this paper, we present an efficient modeling of sources of electromagnetic disturbance using the measurement, in near-field, of the magnetic field radiated from power electronic equipment. A model based on elemental magnetic dipoles is developed for the prediction of the radiated magnetic field. This model is obtained from measurements in the near field. For the determination of the parameters of the model, an optimization procedure is combined with a matrix inversion. Unlike standard approaches, this new technique allows us to find equivalent sources with a small number of dipoles in a reduced computing time. To check the efficiency of the proposed method, we perform a comparison between a classical optimization method and the new procedure. To validate this method experimentally, near field magnetic measurements are performed to find the equivalent model in case of a mono turn coil, a toroidal coil, and a dc/dc converter.

Conducted EMI prediction using different levels of MOSFET models in a multi-physics optimizations context

This paper proposes a modeling methodology for the prediction of conducted EMI in the context of multi-physics optimizations. The study of the well-known DC-DC buck converter is chosen as illustration to validate this procedure. A bottom-up approach is used to model the entire structure. The modeling of switching cell, passive elements and also Printed Circuit Board (PCB) is presented. Models validation by comparison with experimental results helps to estimate the influence of each model on the accuracy of results.

Implementation of tools for electromagnetic compatibility studies in the near field

In this article, we present a study on the measurement of the electromagnetic radiation of equipments in the near field. The measurements of these disturbances are needed either to verify accordance with the standards, or to analyze the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) behavior of a device. To characterize the radiated emission level of a device, the use of a near field bench is a useful tool. For this reason, the first part of this article is dedicated to the implementation of a near field bench and to the application of a magnetic probe calibration method. These will lead to a quantitative mapping of radiated magnetic field. The second part of this article is devoted to a method for retrieving a radiation model able to characterize disturbance sources. The model will be used to predict the shielding effectiveness of electronics enclosures.

SPICE-compatible high frequency physical modeling approach for an inductor

Multi-physics modeling in power electronics contains EMC studies, thus conception requires modeling of passive elements. These models need to be compatible with the simulation software usually used in the industry. An analysis for modeling an inductor at high-frequency is presented in this study. The method takes into account the proper inductances of the turns, the mutual inductances between them, the parasitic capacitances, and the resistance of the windings. The originality of the model is that it is based on physical geometries and the material characteristics of the inductor and covers a large frequency bandwidth. These elements are used to create an analytical model based on electrical equations in order to provide the frequency dependent impedance of the inductor. The model is validated using experimental measurements.