Aerospace Grade Components: Diverse and Reliable
The complexities and diversity of the components required to deliver a fully operational air-frame are colossal across a similarly diverse supply chain.
Since rockets and satellites cannot be maintained in orbit, components used must have high reliability and long life. Therefore, some of components for spacecrafts have high reliability and quality that are qualified by the research and development organization responsible for the aerospace development policy.
We have those qualified resistors in our lineup for space equipment such as satellites and rockets.
Features of resistors for aerospace applications
In general electronic parts, lead-free terminals are the mainstream, but resistors for space applications use lead-containing solder terminals for the following reasons.
As many aerospace systems are also classified as military vehicles, components used aboard these vehicles must adhere to military-grade electronic component standards. These include performance and testing standards for resistors, capacitors, semiconductors, microcircuits, hybrid circuits and other electronics. Additionally, components and boards may be subject to ITAR requirements—especially if your development is intended for applications such as satellites that comprise aerospace systems like the GPS constellation.
The current new space age that emphasizes the commercial benefits of space travel has transformed aerospace development. Instead of a years-long process, development today requires months or less and has produced a steady increase in annual launches. This shortened development cycle can be attributed, in part, to the utilization of COTS components and a reliance on their commercial track record as validation of reliability. However, this has by no means reduced the need to ensure that your aerospace qualified electronic components supply chain is secure.
How Best to Secure Your Supply Chain for Aerospace Components?
The flexibility that OEMs and other developers of PCBAs and electronics for aerospace systems enjoy is helping society transition to a world where space travel is commonplace. And, the relaxation—in some cases—of the criteria defining aerospace qualified electronic components contributes to this transition. However, space remains a dangerous environment that requires the highest quality systems, including electronics. To ensure successful missions, adequate steps must be taken to avoid including sub-standard or counterfeit components on aerospace vehicles. Alectrio is here to help!
