The Power & Data Systems Group of AMETEK Aerospace & Defense will provide its patented AMPHION™ Solid-State Power Controller (SSPC) to the US Navy P-8A Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft.

The AMPHION SSPC from the Power & Data Systems Group of AMETEK Aerospace & Defense combines the functions of a solid-state circuit breaker and relay into a single device that eliminates the need for traditional thermal circuit breakers and relays.  Aboard the P-8A, the AMPHION SSPCs will serve as an integral part of the Boeing IntelliBus™ system that monitors aircraft-wide communications and are used as ultra-fast switches that interrupt harmful voltage transients that could potentially damage equipment connected to the bus.

The P-8A MMA, based on Boeing's Next-Generation 737-800 commercial airframe, replaces the U.S. Navy's aging fleet of P-3C Orion aircraft. Its mission will comprise anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, and both land and sea-surface intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance. The Navy plans to purchase 108 of the aircraft that are scheduled to enter service in 2013.

At the heart of the AMPHION SSPCis patented circuitry that serves as the building block for an entirely new architecture for the control and distribution of aircraft power.  AMPHION is an extremely reliable, high-speed, solid-state switch that can simultaneously act as a relay, circuit breaker, pulsed-power controller, line protector and line monitor. 

AMPHION's patented "fail-open" circuitry prevents a device failing in a short-circuited condition, preventing a load from remaining powered and unprotected. AMPHION technology is available in multiple packages from custom PC board mounted devices to stand-alone, military relay and circuit breaker envelopes. Its unique arc-fault detecting ability allows it to trip on intermittent faults produced by wire insulation failure and other causes.