Delkin Blog

There is a long list of aerospace applications embedded systems, and the list is consistently getting longer. Some aircraft have embedded systems at work from tip to tail, while others are using embedded systems in very specific ways. In each case, no matter how the aerospace applications embedded systems are being used, they have to be designed to withstand extreme conditions without any kind of loss of function. Some embedded systems perform critical functions that are responsible for passenger and operator safety, so only the highest caliber solutions are an option.

Embedded System Basics

As the name suggests, an embedded system is a controller inside of a larger system that performs a specific function. Generally, embedded systems cannot be controlled by the device user, who may not even be aware that the system is in place performing certain functions.  However, without the embedded system, a key operational feature of the host device would be unavailable, which could cause a complete device failure at worst, or at best, a malfunction.

Aerospace Applications that Use Embedded Systems

Commercial airliners provide a good example of embedded systems being used in aerospace applications. Embedded systems are used in commercial airliners for in-flight entertainment systems, temperature control, speed control, sensors, flight management systems, flight data recorders, and engine control, to name just a few. The extent to which they are used in theses capacities depends on the aircraft designers and engineers, but all modern commercial airliners use embedded systems in some way for their flights.

Embedded systems are also used in aerospace in a variety of other capacities. In military aircraft, they are used for large radar systems. They are also used in helicopters for sensors and engine control. Data collection, such as flight data tracking of all kinds of aircraft and unmanned aircraft base stations, is also a critical use for embedded systems.

Special Demands of Aerospace Applications

As a rule, embedded systems in aerospace applications are subject to extreme conditions. Extreme temperatures and vast temperature fluctuations are common—for example, as airplanes take off, fly, and land, they go through significant temperature changes. These applications are also exposed to dust, salt, sea spray, high altitudes, and moisture. For these reasons, embedded systems that use reliable and rugged SLC flash technology are typical in the aerospace industry.

Delkin understands the demands of aerospace applications as well as the difficulty of re-qualification and the need for consistent performance. We offer rugged aerospace applications embedded systems with locked configurations and extensive customization options. Reach out to a product team member today for more information.

CLICK HERE to purchase through Avnet. Delkin Devices Industrial Flash Storage for aerospace embedded applications can be ordered today through our distribution partner Avnet.