Power Quality
Section 10: Environmental Qualification (DO-160)
Definition
The characteristics of the electrical power supplied by the aircraft generating system and distributed through the power bus, including voltage regulation, frequency stability (AC systems), waveform distortion, and harmonic content. DO-160 Section 16 defines the expected power quality envelope that equipment must tolerate, while equipment design must also ensure it does not degrade power quality for other loads on the bus.
Where This Shows Up
Power quality is a bidirectional concern: the equipment must operate correctly given the power quality provided by the aircraft, and the equipment must not adversely affect power quality for other equipment sharing the same bus. Equipment with switching power supplies, motor drives, or other nonlinear loads can inject harmonic currents back onto the bus, potentially causing interference with other systems. Aircraft power quality standards (e.g., MIL-STD-704 for military, and the DO-160 Section 16 categories for civil) define the permissible ranges for voltage, frequency, and distortion.
Primary Sources
Section 16 (Power Input) — defines the aircraft power quality envelope that equipment must accommodate.
Aircraft Electric Power Characteristics — military standard often referenced for power quality definitions, informing DO-160 civil equivalents.
Related Terms
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