Vicor Bricks Power Passenger In-Flight Internet on Commercial Airlines
First demonstrated early in this decade, in-flight Internet for use by passengers on commercial airliners is only now becoming a practical reality. Early systems were large and heavy, limiting their use to large jet carriers with dual aisles. Those that relied exclusively on satellite technology were subjected to the uncertainties of receiving a signal. Most of the systems were, in addition, used expensive.
In-flight wireless Internet service is now providing airlines with a new revenue stream. The leading system uses proven wireless technologies that are lower in cost than competing approaches, while avoiding the need for larger and heavier onboard equipment. The critical avionics hardware is contained in two packages ― one of which includes the power supply ― that are small, low weight (less than 150 pounds), quickly installed, and low in cost.
The power supply, which is mounted with the forward avionics in the cargo hold, is only 11.5 inches high by 6.85 inches wide by 3 inches deep and weighs only 4.7 pounds. Two 300 V input Vicor micro DC-DC converters ― one each per cpu ― power the cpu board on the Wireless Access Point (WAP). They provide two outputs, 5 V and 12 V, 50 and 75 Watts.
The WAP is in production with larger volumes expected as multiple airlines adopt the wireless system. The avionics contractor selected Vicor modules because of the light weight and small footprint of the modules and because they have a good history with Vicor.
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