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General Dynamics, Airborne Electronic Systems in Redmond, Washington has recently developed new and innovative solutions for electrical power generation and distribution systems in small, turbine powered aircraft. The power generation systems utilize permanent magnet (PM) starter/generator (S/G) technology to achieve significantly lighter weight and higher reliability than conventional, brush-type aircraft generators. A Power Conversion Unit (PCU) is utilized in conjunction with the PM machine to provide accurately regulated and filtered aircraft power. The power distribution systems use Electronic Circuit Breakers (ECBs) that significantly reduce system weight and cost while enhancing reliability and flexibility. The ECBs are solid-state devices, are software programmable and communicate over a serial data bus.

This paper will address the parallel fault locating theories and subsequent fault locating system developments at General Dynamics. Since 1999, General Dynamics has been investigating technologies and methods for reducing the threat of electrical fires on board aircraft. Early in 2001, efforts were directed to employ technology findings towards tools that could be used by aircraft operators and manufacturers in maintenance or installation validation scenarios.