ARINC 609 PDF

Purpose of this Document

ARINC Report 609 was developed to meet new desires for electrical power system design and performance standards brought about by the massive changeover to digital avionics, by the possibilities of the all-electric airplane and by real changes in technology – all beginning in the early 1980's.

This Report is meant to serve as guidelines for designers of aircraft power system components and of power utilization components, both avionics and power converters such as motors, heaters, etc.

Since this Report precedes any new standards, such as a MILSTD, or an SAE standard, it can also be said to be a guideline for the development of such standards.

The guidelines of this Report are intended to apply only for new aircraft and equipment (including electronics) – if some of its recommendations can be applied to modify existing designs, it would be considered a bonus, but it is not expected. This Report does not attempt to preclude use of existing designs, which have proven to work well. It tries to preserve the best of present practices. Its purpose is to urge improvements where deficiencies have been recognized.

The report will discuss some power standards put forth as candidates for aircraft electrical power at the time the report was written. It was not meant to be all-inclusive, but intends to show the variety of considerations that must be weighed for any standard, including a new look at the standards for the presently prevailing 115V/400 Hz, 28 Vdc system.

If a standard emerges, which is not among the alternatives offered, but which is better than what had been thought of at the time the report was written everybody wins, but the new standard should be considered against the general guidance offered. The report does not intend to limit innovation and progress.

It is even recognized that this report may become obsolete in a not too distant future. Nevertheless, it is to be expected to serve the purpose of stimulating the beneficial development of aircraft electrical power quality, integrity and dependability.