Did you know ?

Here's a fascinating tidbit to tickle your curiosity: Did you ever imagine that popcorn could have a surprising link to the world of commercial aviation? Popcorn, that beloved crispy snack we enjoy at the movies, owes its aerodynamic qualities to the same principles that make airplanes take flight!


Avion ExxeliaDid you know ?

 

In the early years of commercial aviation, airplanes were equipped with piston engines. During flights, these engines produced intense heat. In the 1940s, an aerospace engineer named Dr. Percy Spencer was working for Raytheon, a company specialized in electronics and microwave technology.

 

One day in 1945, while Dr. Spencer was working on a magnetron, a device used to generate microwaves, he noticed something astonishing. He had a bag of popcorn in his pocket, and he realized that the popcorn had started popping. Intrigued, he began to experiment by placing other foods near the magnetron and found that the microwaves heated and popped corn kernels.

 

This discovery led to the development of the first commercial microwave oven, the Radarange, which was introduced in 1947. One of the early markets for this new appliance was the commercial aviation industry. Modern airplanes were equipped with microwave-based heating systems, and popcorn became a popular snack on board.

 

The story goes that one of the first commercial flights to offer popcorn to passengers was a flight by the American airline Pan American World Airways, which served freshly popped popcorn bags to passengers during the flight. This quickly contributed to the association between commercial aviation and popcorn as a beloved onboard snack.

 

Therefore, thanks to Dr. Percy Spencer's accidental discovery and the growing popularity of commercial aviation, popcorn became a staple in-flight snack. Today, it is common to find popcorn bags in in-flight meal trays or onboard shops, reminding us of this fascinating anecdote.

 

Exxelia has a long heritage in the supply of passive components for aviation equipping the latest and most advanced aircrafts in the world. Exxelia wide product portfolio of MIL film and tantalum capacitors, MLCC, electrolytic flat packs, choke inductors, filters and transformers… answers the needs of high reliability, robustness, lightweight, high temperature or 400Hz network.

 

See more : https://exxelia.com/en/aviation/

Consult our job offers : https://exxelia.nous-recrutons.fr/

 

Thank you for visiting us at our Exxelia booth.

 

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Avion ExxeliaLe saviez-vous ?

 

Dans les premières années de l'aviation commerciale, les avions étaient équipés de moteurs à pistons. Pendant les vols, ces moteurs produisaient une chaleur intense. Dans les années 1940, un ingénieur aéronautique du nom de Dr. Percy Spencer travaillait pour la société Raytheon, spécialisée dans les technologies de l'électronique et des micro-ondes.

 

Un jour de 1945, alors que Dr. Spencer travaillait sur un magnétron, un appareil utilisé pour générer des micro-ondes, il a remarqué quelque chose d'étonnant. Alors qu'il avait un sac de popcorn dans sa poche, il s'est rendu compte que le popcorn avait commencé à éclater. Intrigué, il a commencé à expérimenter en plaçant d'autres aliments près du magnétron et a constaté que les micro-ondes faisaient chauffer et éclater les grains de maïs.

 

Cette découverte a conduit au développement du premier four à micro-ondes commercial, le Radarange, qui a été lancé en 1947. L'un des premiers marchés pour ce nouvel appareil était l'industrie de l'aviation commerciale. En effet, les avions modernes étaient équipés de systèmes de chauffage basés sur les micro-ondes, et le pop-corn était devenu un encas populaire à bord.

 

L'histoire raconte que l'un des premiers vols commerciaux à proposer du pop-corn aux passagers était un vol de la compagnie aérienne américaine Pan American World Airways, qui servait des sachets de popcorn fraîchement éclaté aux passagers pendant le vol. Cela a rapidement contribué à l'association entre l'aviation commerciale et le pop-corn, en tant que collation appréciée à bord des avions.

 

Ainsi, grâce à la découverte accidentelle de Dr. Percy Spencer et à la popularité croissante de l'aviation commerciale, le pop-corn est devenu un incontournable des collations en vol. Aujourd'hui, il est courant de trouver des sachets de pop-corn dans les plateaux-repas ou les boutiques à bord des avions, rappelant cette anecdote fascinante.

 

Fournisseur reconnu de composants passifs pour le marché aéronautique, Exxelia est implanté dans les avions commerciaux et les business jets les plus récents grâce à sa large gamme de condensateurs (film MIL, tantale, MLCC, aluminium électrolytique), inductances, filtres et transformateurs… Exxelia sait répondre aux exigences de haute fiabilité, robustesse, légèreté, haute température ou réseau 400Hz.

 

 

En savoir plus : https://exxelia.com/fr/aviation/

Consultez nos offres d'emploi : https://exxelia.nous-recrutons.fr/

 

Merci de nous avoir rendu visite sur notre stand Exxelia.

Published on 01 Jan 2018 by Stephane PERES

Exxelia expands its High-Performance Dielectric Resonators and Ferrites capabilities for Microwave Applications

New capabilities include the use of its latest E7000 material, which provides narrow bandwidths, temperature stability and high Q-factor together with advanced manufacturing skills such as the capability to deliver extremely small size, and complex ferrite designs.   Exxelia's E7000 series is a Ba-Mg-Ta based material that combines an ultra-high Q-factor and the possibility to get different temperature coefficients upon request. E7000 features the highest performance requested for space use in the frequency range from 5 to 32 GHz, and guarantees a Qxf up to > 250 000 at 10GHZ. In addition, Exxelia is now able to support the most advanced RF designs with the delivery of complex geometries such as Y-shape ferrites for microwave switches or Toroidal designs for phase shifters applications. Those miniaturized and complex products may be as small as few mm only and benefit from exceptional quality, superior performance and low loss (ΔH) materials. Exxelia is a unique manufacturer producing its own raw materials for Ferrites and Dielectrics with proprietary formulations for use in the most demanding environments.   Nicolas Dabadie, Microwave Materials business development manager at Exxelia said: "We are pleased to support our customers’ more and more complex designs and demanding applications. Our unique capability to master the manufacturing from raw materials to high-end finished products opens the way to new solutions for microwave applications going from few MHz to 40GHz".     E7000 SERIES TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS : Dielectric constant : 24 Q x f Factor (GHz) : 250000 Frequency : Min : 5900 MHz / Max : 37150 MHz Custom shapes available : disk, cylinder, square etc… Typical Q factor: 25000 at 10 GHz   More information: https://exxelia.com/en/product/detail/636/e7000   Ferrite materials are used in microwave devices such as isolators, circulators, diplexers, filters and phase shifters. They have dielectric and magnetic properties due to the presence of magnetic ions such as iron within the composition. Exxelia also offers a wide range of dielectric resonators series, including coaxial resonators in different sizes. Please contact us for additional details !

What you should know about Wound Magnetics Technologies ?

EXXELIA designs and manufactures magnetic components including wound magnetics, inductors, transformers, motors, sensors and actuators for high voltage, high temperature and power applications. Products are optimized to meet the most demanding applications requirement thanks to a strong design expertise, EXXELIA masters High-Grade technologies: Chameleon Concept Magnetics (CCM), standard linear and toroidal, toroidal transfer molded technology (TT), SESI planar / Low-profile and aluminum foil winding.   > See our Wound Magnetics Technologies in catalog   DESIGN CAPABILITIES Exxelia designs magnetics for most applications: Switch-mode power supply including new and unusual architectures 360-800Hz Power supply (single and multipulse) 50 Hz power supply Current and Voltage measurement Lighting - Ignition Pulse transformer (gate drive, data) Micro inductor Audio-frequency Electromagnets etc.   Exxelia designs magnetics up to: 200kV dielectric strength 20kV operating voltage … 240°C operating temperature According to the main aerospace standards ESA ESCC 3201 MIL-STD-981 MIL-PRF-27 D0-160 etc   SWITCHED MODE POWE SUPPLY Cross regulation in multi output Flyback converters Exxelia has been working on this subject in order to understand the phenomenon, identify the cause(s) and find solutions to avoid the use of linear regulators consuming energy The identification of a relevant magnetostatic model of the transformer and its electronic environment are necessary for analysis of the phenomenon into circuit simulation software like PSIM or PSPICE. This allows to evaluate the influence of the model parameters and the other components of the converter on the variability of output voltages. The key point is then to link the product manufacturing technology to the parameters of the model, in order to reduce cross regulation thanks to the optimization of windings arrangement. The work on this topic allows a precise control of the output voltages on the most sensitive windings. Dual Active Bridge, small size & high efficiency The dual active bridge is a topology more and more used to supply batteries because it allows bidirectional energy transfer with the network. Exxelia is developing high reproducibility technology to integrate inductors in the transformer:   Example : 3 Transformers in each power supply Each transformer incorporates virtual inductance Lk 15 kW combined output @ 100 kHz switching Taps provide flexibility for 350 V / 700 V input & 28 V or 56 V output (up to 430 A) Exxelia value proposition: Small size, high efficiency, competitive cost despite multiple high current outputs and integrated inductors.   360-800Hz MULTI PULSE Exxelia developed a specific knowledge to optimize the design of single and multi-pulse magnetics for 360 – 800 Hz power network.   ACCURATE MEASUREMENT TRANSFORMERS (0.1%) FOR CRITICAL APPLICATIONS Real-time, detailed knowledge of the voltages and currents is becoming increasingly important to ensure the proper operation of electrical networks. This is as true for the aeronautics market as it is for the industrial market. Measurement transformers, whether current or voltage, are sensors. They must faithfully transmit a signal level in a highly variable environment (excitation, frequency, temperature) which influences their characteristics. Exxelia developed a designing method that takes into account all environmental conditions. The behavior of the sensor is modeled by a transfer function that depends on transformer characteristics and on the load resistance. Depending on the application and the targeted accuracy, Exxelia defines the best operating point of the sensor by calculating the worst case errors with respect to the variability of the model parameters. Exxelia designs sensors with an accuracy of up to 0.1%.   THERMAL MANAGEMENT, A PATH TO MINIATURIZATION For Exxelia, better thermal management translates into miniaturization of the component.  Indeed, thanks to an accurate calculation of the maximum operating temperature, Exxelia can design the smallest component able to transfer a given power. The calculation of this temperature requires the knowledge of the heating sources (core and copper losses) and the component thermal behavior. Exxelia uses a calculation method to do the best use of core losses data and improve them by developing partnership with core manufacturer  The copper losses due to Eddy current are taken into account by Exxelia through the identification of the overriding causes and the use of the most relevant analytical approaches to evaluate them. The calculation of the operating temperature from the losses requires to determine the thermal resistance, which varies according to the ambient temperature, the power dissipated and the exchange conditions with the environment. Exxelia performs measurement campaigns to determine the thermal resistances and their variation for its qualified technologies and for most of the standard ferrite shapes. In particular, the influence of natural convection is taken into account to address products for Space. When more detailed analysis is required, Exxelia has developed a unique thermal simulation software, based on finite element calculation and dedicated to magnetic components to make its use easier and faster.    HIGH VOLTAGE AND ELECTRIC FIELD CALCULATION   Exxelia developed specific design skills to anticipate voltage increase requested for aircraft and space embedded application. High voltage topic is mastered with both dedicated test equipment (up to 100kV) and electric field calculation knowhow.  Electric Field mitigation: In high voltage applications, local high electric field E [kV/mm] can lead to a premature aging of intulating parts ou insulators? (Partial discharge) and finally to an electric failure.  Simulation in the design phase, using finite element calculations with a 2D or 3D electrostatic software allows Exxelia to reduce high field areas and increase lifetime. Example: Electric Field, Iso-Voltage values   Custom High Voltage Transformer   ELECTROMECHANICAL DEVICES Exxelia engineers use advanced finite-elements simulation software to model and analyse electromagnetic behaviour. EXXELIA can provide a high added-value support for electromechanical devices optimization through electromagnetic and thermal calculations (weight reduction, torque increase, losses reduction, etc…): •   2D and 3D calculations:     Magnetostatic: B[T], J[A/mm²], L matrix (function of current)     Electrostatic: E[kV/mm], C matrix     Eddy current (AC) in magneto-harmonic     2D transient coupled multiphysics (electric + magnetic + circuit) •   Specific analysis:     Optimization under constraints     Parametric analysis     Sensitivity analysis CAD geometry and circuit import/export (step, Catia, Spice, … ) Some calculations: Torque [N.m], Force [N], Resistance [Ω], Losses[W], L matrix [H], C matrix [F]  Some applications: linear or angular electric motor, electromagnet, linear or angular actuator, proportional valves, position sensor, etc… Proportional Hydraulic Valve Topology analysis: Based on an extensive experience, Exxelia can offer the best topology dedicated to an application or look for the best performance within a given space:   Torque, field and geometrical optimization   > See our Wound Magnetics Technologies in catalog How Exxelia supports the key processes ? Cleaning procedure  The cleaning of the PCB boards is evolving from solvent (as isopropylic alcohol,...) to highly alkaline water based cleaning medium.  EXXELIA has performed an extensive study to offer robust technologies to withstand these current cleaning processes. The qualification procedure has included thermal shock, burn in and   Mechanical testings.  EXXELIA has defined gluing, marking, varnishing processes that allow the products to go through more than 5 cleaning cycles and operating up to 180°C.  Processes compliant to ESA and NASA outgassing standards have also been defined for products specified up to 140°C.    Wire integrity  EXXELIA has qualified specific processes to ensure wire integrity for better insulation. The wire undergoes mechanical, chemical and thermal stresses during the winding and cabling process steps. EXXELIA has set up a dedicated process to reduce the impact of these manufacturing steps and improve the overall reliability of the wires and products.    Finishing  EXXELIA offers several types of components: Surface Mounted Device, Through Hole or lead terminations products, system integrated components.    Packaging  Products are available on trays and, upon request, on reels for easy pick and place, ESD compliant  EXXELIA products offer components compliant to IPC/JEDEC standard J-STD- 020 with TP = 260°C and tP = 30 seconds.  Exxelia is a manufacturer of complex passive components and precision subsystems focusing on highly demanding end-markets, applications and functions. Exxelia product portfolio includes wide ranges of capacitors, inductors, transformers, resistors, filters, position sensors, slip rings and high-precision mechanical parts serving numerous leading industrial areas such as aerospace, defense, medical, rail, energiy and telecommunications. Thanks to extensive design capabilities and a robust development process, Exxelia is recognized for its ability to quickly evaluate application specific engineering challenges and provide cost-effective and efficient solutions. For requirements that cannot be met by our catalog products, we offer custom configurations: upgraded performance, custom geometries, robust packaging. EXXELIA Magnetics business unit has more than 40 years experience in the design, industrialization and manufacturing of magnetics for Space, Civil Aviation, Defense, Oil & Gas, Medical, Railway and Industrial niche markets. EXXELIA actively works in partnership with the customer from prototype phase to production series.  EXXELIA has several production sites including low cost factories. All Magnetics sites are EN/AS9100 qualified. EXXELIA can therefore offer the most competitive solution to the customer.  EXXELIA offers PCB mounted components, ruggedized medium power magnetics subassemblies as well as stators & rotor and actuators. EXXELIA has a large technology portfolio including High-Grade platforms for demanding market and a strong manufacturing heritage. The customer benefits from EXXELIA design expertise and know-how for their design to specifications and built-to-print requests. Both catalog and custom products are available. The qualification of technological innovation and the definition of the related design rules allow EXXELIA to offer cost effective optimized solutions.    Customer benefits  Time to market: Available qualified technologies for harsh environment Strong heritage in Space   Optimised solutions:  Co-design through partnership with technical teams High expertise in complex designs Knowledge of the applications Industrialisation know how    Cost effective solutions: Reduced Non recurrent Cost, Low Cost Country Sites   Obsolescence management.   > See our Wound Magnetics Technologies in catalog EW SPACE, Constellation, SPACE 4.0: EXXELIA is the right choice due to strong space heritage, qualified technologies and multiple choice of manufacturing locations: USA, Asia, North Africa, Europe.   Quality System & Validation Capabilities EXXELIA masters, fully implements and maintains all the main international and customer standards, specifications, regulations and requirements for the design, manufacture, inspection and testing of magnetic components and for EHS and quality management:   Space magnetics:     Europe:             ESA: ESCC 3201 family of specifications,         ESCC 20400, ESCC 20500, ESCC 23500     QPL series:         ESCC32/008, ESCC3201/009 & ESCC3201/010     QML     ESCC3201/011 & ESCC3201/012    Technology Flow:     CNES:    RNC-CNES-Q-ST-60102, RNC-CNES-Q-60103     USA - Japan:    MIL-STD-981, MIL-PRF-27 Aeronautics and Military magnetics:     USA:             MIL-STD-981, MIL-PRF-27, MIL-HDBK-1553,         MIL-PRF-15305, MIL-PRF-21038, MIL-PRF-39010,         MIL-PRF-83446. Environmental conditions and tests:      Europe:    EUROCAE ED-14, ,     USA:     RTCA DO-160, MIL-STD-202. Environment, health and safety:     EC 1907/2006 (REACH), 2002/95/EC (RoHS) EXXELIA is manufacturing RoHS products by default. Non RoHS should be specifically requested.  EXXELIA maintains a comprehensive and up to date data base of all chemicals to closely follow the REACH status.  Quality management: EN/AS9100 and 1509001 family of standards Major aerospace customers standards. > See our Wound Magnetics Technologies in catalog