System architecture for operation of aircraft flaps

A method of operation of aircraft flaps, the method comprising:

• providing a first pair of motor drive units, the first pair comprising a first motor drive unit (MD1) and a second motor drive unit (MD3);
• providing a second pair of motor drive units, the second pair comprising a third motor drive unit (MD2) and a fourth motor drive unit (MD4);
• providing a first plurality of switches connected between the first motor drive unit (MD1) and the second motor drive unit (MD3), said first plurality of switches configured to operate a first electric motor and a second electric motor;
• providing a second plurality of switches connected between the third motor drive unit (MD2) and the fourth motor drive unit (MD4), said second plurality of switches configured to operate a third electric motor and a fourth electric motor;
• wherein the first motor drive unit (MD1) and the second motor drive unit (MD3) are connected in series, and wherein the first plurality of switches comprises a first switch (SW1), a second switch (SW5), a third switch (SW2) and a fourth switch (SW6);
• wherein the first switch (SW1) and the second switch (SW5) are arranged in parallel with the third switch (SW2) and the fourth switch (SW6);
• and
• wherein the first electric motor is connected to the first switch (SW1) and to the second switch (SW5), and wherein the second motor is connected to the third switch (SW2) and to the fourth switch (SW6).