Why is 400 Hz the Standard for Aviation Electronics
Whether an aircraft is a small business jet or a large civilian airliner, most modern aircraft have now implemented a variety of electronic systems in order to improve flight instruments, accommodate passenger needs, and power lights and other fixtures. As such, aerospace manufacturing companies implement generators or alternators for the production of power, ensuring that all aircraft electrical components function properly. While typical wall outlets provide an electronic frequency that ranges from 50-60 Hz for plugging in appliances, the aerospace standard remains much higher at 400 Hz for all aircraft. While this may seem like too high of a frequency for the powering of electronics, there are some major reasons why such an amount has become the widespread standard.
Across all factors of aerodynamics and heavier-than-air-flight, one of the top concerns of aerospace manufacturing companies when designing and engineering an aircraft is its weight. Generally speaking, the less an aircraft weighs in total, the less fuel will be needed for travelling longer distances. As such, manufacturers always look for ways to reduce weight to save operational costs. With a 400 Hz frequency generator or alternator implemented within the aircraft, less devices are needed for optimally powering all aircraft electrical components. As such, it is preferable to have a minimal amount of high power devices to ensure sufficient electricity is obtained.
Furthermore, having 400 Hz frequency for direct current and alternating current power is also important for the goal of standardization. As the aviation industry is a globally supported and practiced sector with constant interaction between entities and countries, it is critical that all aerospace manufacturing companies support some form of standardization of materials and systems for the benefit of all. With part interchangeability and compatibility, procuring replacement parts for repair can be much easier and can drastically reduce the amount of time for carrying out MRO servicing. With a variety of aircraft electronics specifically designed to be compatible with 400 Hz frequency, interchangeability is easy.
Through saving weight and having standardized, interchangeable electronic parts, aircraft of all types can highly benefit from the use of 400 Hz frequency power as provided by generators and alternators. If you are in the market for aircraft electronic components, generator and alternator parts, or any other aviation components, look no further than Buy Aviation Parts. As a leading online distributor, we provide customers access to an unrivaled inventory consisting of over 2 billion new, used, and obsolete items that cater to a diverse set of industries and applications. If you are facing an aircraft on ground (AOG) situation or a time constraint, we offer same-day and expedited shipping for a number of available items. Explore our robust part catalogues at your leisure, and our team of industry experts are readily available 24/7x365 to assist you through the purchasing process as needed.
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