PXe-F Series 400Hz Static Frequency Converter

Q: What is a 400Hz static frequency converter (SFC) used for?

A 400Hz static frequency converter is used to convert standard 50Hz or 60Hz mains power into 400Hz AC output. It is commonly used for avionics testing, aerospace production, MRO facilities, aircraft equipment testing and specialist 400Hz power applications.

Q: Why is 400Hz power used in aircraft?

Aircraft use 400Hz power because higher frequency electrical systems allow transformers, motors and associated equipment to be smaller and lighter than equivalent 50Hz or 60Hz systems. This makes 400Hz power well suited to aviation applications.

Q: Can a 400Hz static frequency converter (SFC) run from a 50Hz or 60Hz supply?

Yes. PXe 400Hz static frequency converters can be configured to operate from standard 50Hz or 60Hz mains input supplies, depending on the site power available and the required output.

Q: What output voltage is normally used for 400Hz aircraft power?

Common aircraft 400Hz output configurations include 115/200V and 120/208V. The correct output voltage depends on the aircraft system, test bench or ground support application.

Q: Is this suitable for avionics testing?

Yes. The converter is suitable for avionics laboratories, aircraft equipment testing and aerospace workshops where stable 400Hz AC power is required for sensitive systems.

Q: Can the output voltage or frequency be adjustable?

Yes. Adjustable output options can be provided where engineers need to test equipment across different voltage or frequency conditions.

Q: How is this different from a standard single phase or three phase static frequency converter (SFC)?

A standard static frequency converter may be configured for 50Hz to 60Hz or 60Hz to 50Hz conversion. A 400Hz static frequency converter is specifically designed to provide aircraft-standard 400Hz output for aviation, avionics and specialist test applications.

Q: What information is needed to specify a 400Hz static frequency converter (SFC)?

PX will need to confirm the available input supply, required output voltage, output phase arrangement, kVA rating, load type, duty cycle, enclosure format and any remote control or communication requirements.

Q: How do Static Frequency Converter SFC fault diagnostic systems work?

Static Frequency Converter SFC fault diagnostic systems work by monitoring voltage, current and power and phase loss. These errors are written to Non-Volatile RAM (NVRAM). SIL Watch-dog options are available for independent monitoring and reporting.

Q: What is a SFC Watch-Dog System used for?

Watch-dog or independent fault-monitoring systems are available to monitor and report the health of Static Frequency Converters, particularly high-kVA units. These autonomous fault-diagnostic systems monitor voltage, current, power, and phase loss. These errors are written to Non-Volatile RAM (NVRAM) and can be sent via Networks and SMS.

PX Electronics F Series 400Hz static frequency converters provide reliable frequency conversion from standard 50Hz or 60Hz mains power to a stable 400Hz AC output. Designed for avionics testing, aerospace production, aircraft maintenance and specialist 400Hz test environments, the range supports applications where precise output frequency, low noise and dependable continuous operation are required.

As part of the PXe static frequency converter range, these systems use solid-state IGBT conversion technology to deliver controlled aircraft-standard power for sensitive equipment, test benches and ground support applications. Common output configurations include 115/200V 400Hz and 120/208V 400Hz, with fixed or adjustable output options available depending on the test or installation requirement.

Technical Highlights for 400Hz Static Frequency Conversion:

Stable 400Hz aircraft power
Converts standard 50Hz or 60Hz mains input into a regulated 400Hz AC output, with common aviation configurations including 115/200V and 120/208V.

Solid-state IGBT conversion
Uses AC to DC to AC static conversion with IGBT PWM control for precise frequency regulation and consistent output quality.

Galvanic isolation
Integrated transformer isolation provides electrical separation between input and output, helping support cleaner power for sensitive avionics and aircraft systems.

Low-noise operation
Designed for reduced acoustic and electrical noise in laboratories, workshops, hangars and controlled test environments.

Monitoring and control options
Front panel metering displays voltage, current, frequency, power and system status, with optional adjustable output, remote control, RS485 and volt-free contacts available.

Click here for Datasheet Click here for sample specification

Typical Applications:

Avionics laboratories
Aircraft equipment testing
400Hz test benches
Aerospace production lines
MRO hangars and maintenance bays
Production and proving stations
Accredited test houses
Military and defence aviation facilities
Specialist R&D environments
Aircraft ground power support

Configuration:

The PXe-F Series has been developed as a compact 400Hz static frequency converter range for applications requiring controlled aircraft-standard power in a practical installation format. The design supports legacy Failsafe SFC requirements while offering modern control, monitoring and configuration options across the range.

Models are available from 1kVA to 50kVA, with larger or bespoke systems available where required. Each unit is designed for straightforward operation, with a clear digital display showing key AC parameters including voltage, current, frequency and power.

For test environments, PXe-F converters can be supplied with variable output voltage and frequency. This allows engineers to simulate different aircraft supply conditions during avionics testing, equipment development and production validation. Adjustment can be provided through front panel controls, depending on the selected configuration.

Remote operation options are available for installations where the converter is located away from the operator or test area. These include a remote control panel with monitoring and control capability, RS485 communications for system data, and volt-free contacts for major status and fault conditions.

The range can also be configured to suit different installation formats, control requirements and site conditions. This allows PX Electronics to supply systems for laboratories, workshops, production areas and specialist 400Hz applications without forcing every project into a standard enclosure or interface arrangement.

Popular Configurations:

We have a variety of models available. Please see below for some popular configurations. Please note: customers may request alternative voltages and frequencies as required; the examples below are for illustration only.

Model	Capacity	Current Rating	Input	Output	Dimensions	Weight
PXe-110005F 1ph In/1ph Out	5kVA	43.4A @ 115V	230V (L-L) ±10% \| 50Hz \| Single Phase	115V (L-N)/ 200V (L-L) \| 400Hz \| Single Phase	430x550x430mm	55kg
PXe-130010F 1ph In/3ph Out	10kVA	28.9A per phase @ 115V	230V (L-L) ±10% \| 50Hz \| Single Phase	115V (L-N)/ 200V (L-L) \| 400Hz	430x550x630mm	107kg
PXe-330015F 3ph In/3ph Out	15kVA	43.4A per phase @ 115V	400V (L-L) ±10% \| 50Hz \| 3 phase	115V (L-N)/ 200V (L-L) \| 400Hz \| 3 Phase	550x700x800mm	220kg
PXe-330020F 3ph In/3ph Out	20kVA	57.9A per phase @ 115V	400V (L-L) ±10% \| 50Hz \| 3 phase	115V (L-N)/ 200V (L-L) \| 400Hz	550x900x1000mm	240kg
PXe-330030F 3ph In/3ph Out	30kVA	86.9A per phase @ 115V	400V (L-L) ±10% \| 50Hz \| 3 phase	115V (L-N)/ 200V (L-L) \| 400Hz	550x900x1000mm	290kg
PXe-330045F 3ph In/3ph Out	45kVA	130.4A per phase @ 115V	400V (L-L) ±10% \| 50Hz \| 3 phase	115V (L-N)/ 200V (L-L) \| 400Hz	580x1100x1500mm	440kg

Order Codes:

A project order code can be derived from the main ordering information using the structure below:

PXE-SFC-[INPUT]-[OUTPUT]-[RATING]-[ENCLOSURE]-[CONTROL]

Example:

PXE-SFC-3P230V50-3P115V400-20KVA-IP22-RS485

This would represent:

(PXE-SFC) – PX Electronics Static Frequency Converter
(1P230V50) – 1 phase, 230V, 50Hz input
(1P115V400) – 1 phase, 115V, 400Hz output
(45KVA) – 45kVA rating
(IP54) – IP54 enclosure
(RS485) – RS485 interface option

For a manually controlled standard enclosure version, the part number may look like this:

PXe-APS-1P230V50-3P115V400-10KVA-IP22-MC

Model	Input	Output	Capacity	Enclosure	Interface Options
PXe-SFC PX Electronics – Static Frequency Converter	1P230V50 1P = Single Phase 230V = Input Voltage 50 = 50Hz Frequency	3P115V400 3P = Three Phase 115V = Input Voltage 400 = 400Hz Frequency	10KVA 10kVA capacity	IP22 Standard IP22 enclosure	MC Manual Control Interface

Model

Input

Output

Capacity

Enclosure

Interface Options

PXe-SFC

PX Electronics – Static Frequency Converter

1P230V50

1P = Single Phase
230V = Input Voltage
50 = 50Hz Frequency

3P115V400

3P = Three Phase
115V = Input Voltage
400 = 400Hz Frequency

10KVA

10kVA capacity

IP22

Standard IP22 enclosure

Manual Control Interface

Available Options:

IP54-rated enclosure
Rugged enclosure option for outdoor, industrial, marine or aviation-related environments where additional protection is required against humidity, condensation, salt spray, water ingress and dust.

Conformal coating
Additional coating of internal PCBs and selected electronic components to improve protection in harsh, humid or corrosive environments.

19-inch rack mount construction
Available on smaller models where the AC power supply needs to be integrated into an existing rack, cabinet, laboratory bench system or production test area.

Remote watchdog monitoring
Typically offered on models above 50kVA. The watchdog system can provide real-time fault notification via SMS, data history logging, remote operation, and automatic restart functionality, subject to application and site requirements.

Cables and terminations
Input and output cable assemblies, connectors, and termination arrangements can be supplied to suit installation, load connection, and site operating requirements.

Mobile base and handling options
Wheeled bases, rubber castors, and swivel tow bars are available when the AC power supply needs to be moved between test areas, production lines, service bays, or operating locations. This option is suitable for facilities where flexible positioning and practical handling are important.

Technical Specification

Input
Voltage	400V or 440V ±10%, 3-phase or User Specified
Frequency	50Hz or 60Hz ±6%
Power Factor	>0.98 @ full load
Susceptibility	EN 61000-4-4, EN 61000-4-5
Output
Voltage	115/200V or 120/208V, 3-phase or User Specified
Voltage Regulation (Steady-State)	±2%
Voltage Regulation (Dynamic)	±5% @ 0–100% step-load
Frequency	400Hz ±0.1% under all conditions
THDv	Better than 3% @ linear load
Overall Quality	Better than MIL-STD-704E, DFS400
Waveform	Pure sinusoid
Phase Angle Accuracy	Better than 1%
Overload Capability	110% @ 30 mins, 200% @ 5 secs, 300% @ 1 sec
Permissible Load Power Factor	0.6 leading to 0.6 lagging
Permissible Phase Unbalance	70%
Secondary 28VDC Output	70A continuous (optional)
Protection
Input Supply	MCB, phase-loss detection, over & under voltage
Output	Over-current, over-temperature, phase-loss detection, over & under voltage, short-circuit (any phase)
Display Panel
Parameters Displayed	Output voltage (ph-ph + ph-N), output current, power, frequency, power factor
Accuracy	Better than Class 0.25 IEC 60688
LED Indicators	Input present, converter healthy, over-temperature, overload, general fault
Operating conditions
Ambient Temperature Range	-10°C to 50°C
Electrical Noise	EN 55022, IEC1000-4
Cabinet Protection	IP22, IP31, IP54 (optional)
Acoustic Noise	<50 dB(A) @ 1m
Construction	Mild steel, zinc plated, painted RAL7032 grey & white
Castors or Feet	4kVA model includes rubber feet & lifting handles. Larger models include 80mm castors with front brakes. Anti-vibration mounts or feet optional
Cooling	Variable speed turbine, air intake in base, exhaust at rear
CE	CE Marked
Connectors
Connector Options	Hard-wire terminals, EN60309, MIL-STD, or client specification (400Hz Aircraft Interlock options available)
Remote Facilities
Remote Control Option	Remote control panel, electrically isolated from converter, self-powered, On/Off + 5 status indications, operational up to 200m
Remote Monitoring	RS485 2-wire/0V, ½ duplex ¼ unit load, MODBUS RTU 16-bit CRC, 4800 or 9600 baud
Volt-Free Contacts (C/O)	Input supply present, output on/off, over-temperature, overload, fault. Contacts isolated from converter
Connector Type (Remote)	25-way “D” socket
Options
Variable Output Voltage	Front panel adjustment ±15% nominal voltage
Variable Output Frequency	Front panel adjustment 400Hz ±10%
Special Input Voltages	220V & 480V (3-phase)
Special Output Voltages	67/115V, 3-phase, 400Hz
Military EMC Standard	MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-704, STANAG 1008
Standards
EN61000-6-4, EN62040-1-1, EN55032, EN55035, EN IEC61000-3-2, EN61000-3-3, GB50054-95, GB50150-1991, GB50150-2006, GB50171-1992, GB/T16935.5-2008, GB/T16935.4-2011