With the advent of the next generation of aerospace systems equipped with fly-by-wire controls, electro-mechanical actuators (EMA) are quickly becoming components critical to safety of aerospace vehicles. Being relatively new to the field, however, EMA lack the knowledge base compared to what is accumulated for the more traditional actuator types, especially when it comes to fault detection and prognosis.

As the aviation industry evolves toward next generation fly-by-wire vehicles, hydraulic and electrohydrostatic actuators (EHA) are replaced with their electro-mechanical counterparts. By eliminating fluid leakage problems while reducing weight and enhancing vehicle control, the feasibility of electromechanical actuators (EMA) in avionic applications has been established. However, due to the inherent nature of electronic components and systems to fail, improved diagnostic and prognostic methods are sought to keep the all-electric aircraft safe.

Actuator systems are employed widely in aerospace, transportation and industrial processes to provide power to critical loads, such as aircraft control surfaces. They must operate reliably and accurately in order for the vehicle / process to complete successfully its designated mission. Incipient actuator failure conditions may severely endanger the operational integrity of the vehicle / process and compromise its mission.