New concept using Silicon Carbide current limiter device for lightning surge protection of embedded aircraft equipment

In new Aircraft, fuselage structure offer less efficient protection against lightning strikes hence this higher level of lightning constraints has to be withstanding by equipment. These constraints drastically increase the size and weight of protection parts regarding traditional protection solution. This document describes a new solution for avionics equipment lightning protection in order to optimize weight and sizing. A prototype based on a new SiC component designed for high power lightning threats has been developed to check performances of this new protection concept. The results are presented and show that this new concept is viable.