B1-05.15 TYPICAL ELECTRONIC DIGITAL AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS 2

Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA)

• Boeing 767 and 757 were the first commercial aircraft utilizing digital federated architecture.
• By 1987, the industry recognized the need to transfer data files instead of individual data "words" via ARINC 429.
• Beginning with the Boeing 777, federated avionics moved to Integrated Modular Architecture (IMA) with the Airplane Information Management System or AIMS Cabinet.
• Functions like flight management, communications management, and aircraft condition monitoring, previously independent LRUs, were then implemented using IMA.
• Traditional avionic systems use federated architectures, where subsystems exist on their own hardware and are physically separate, limiting expansion.
• Adding an LRU requires additional cabling.
• Traditional systems have bit rates up to 100Kbps with data exchange in one direction.
• Classic ethernet data communication requires connecting each unit to a common ethernet bus for transmission and reception.
• Ethernet systems improved bit rates to 10 Mbps.
• A downside of classic ethernet is long wait times for the data bus to fall silent before transmission.
• Switched ethernet uses a router or switch to direct traffic or buffer it, eliminating delays.
• A further upgrade comes with Avionics Full Duplex Switched Ethernet (AFDX) switch and quad cable transmission lines, known as the Avionics Data Communication Network (ADCN).
• The ADCN has two redundant networks, A and B.
• In IMA, subsystems share a common platform, increasing resource utilization which reduces weight, size, power, and recurring costs.
• IMA saves 2,000 lbs on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner's avionics suite.
• Processor unit part numbers for Airbus's A380 avionics suite are reduced by 50%.
• Integrated modular avionics connects "modules" (CPIOMs/IOMs by Airbus, GPMs by Boeing) to an Aircraft Data Network (ADN).
• Information is routed through AFDX switches to intended recipients or Line Replaceable Modules (LRMs).
• IMA replaces point-to-point cabling with a "virtual backplane" data communications network, connecting software configurable LRUs.
• The software and network define Virtual Links in real-time, allowing for quick reconfiguration and robustness in case of failures.
• BITE testing methodology is used for the integrated modular avionics system.

Cabin Systems

• The cabin system provides the cabin crew with an interface to the cabin core system and the cabin monitoring system and allows passengers to use the entertainment system.
• The cabin system is comprised of three subsystems: Cabin core system, cabin monitoring system, and In-Flight Entertainment System (IFE).

Cabin Core System

• Manufactures configure the system differently.
• Generally it includes Cabin Intercommunication Data System (Airbus) or Cabin Service System Controller (Boeing).
• Cabin Intercommunication Data System (CIDS)/Cabin Service System Controller (CSSC) operates, controls, monitors, and transmits data from different cabin systems related to the passengers and the cabin crew and also allows for system and unit tests.
• The Airbus system has two CIDS directors, touchscreen Flight Attendant Panels (FAPs), and mini FAPs.
• FAPs connect to the directors, mini FAPs connect to the FAPs, and the CIDS directors connect to all systems related to passengers and crew.

Basic CIDS Operations

• Features permit it to be programmed to suit aircraft installation and meet operator requirements.
• Software updates for loadable cabin system components are performed through the Flight Attendant Panel menu page.
• Three predefined and three modifiable cabin layouts are available on the Flight Attendants Panel which is protected by an access code and available only on the ground.
• Cabin system functions operate in relation to different cabin zones, the configuration of zones is changed using the Flight Attendants Panel.
• The CIDS loudspeaker level adjustment function is used for manual adjustment of the cabin loudspeaker output for announcements and chimes, accessed through a MP FAP menu page, which is protected by an access code.
• A Flight Attendant Panel set-up page controls and indicates the panel loudspeaker volume and screen brightness.
• The CIDS is modular; the number of installed components is adapted to the cabin layout and functional requirements
• The CIDS system architecture uses a controller, bus lines, and a network, where the CIDS directors act as controllers.
• All CIDS components connect to two identical Directors; one is active, the other in hot standby mode. The directors actively track system performance, store any detected faults, and send faults to the Warning and Maintenance System (WMS) and/or the FAP.
• Touchscreen Multi-Purpose Flight Attendant Panels (MP FAP) are interfaces between cabin attendants and the CIDS directors. The Boeing equivalent is called the Crew Attendant Panel (CAP).
• The touchscreen Airbus Multi-Purpose Flight Attendant Panel (MP FAP) indicates cabin information and selects cabin functions as well as cabin programming. The sub panel contains all hard keys and interfaces.
• Each mini FAP lets the cabin crew control and monitor cabin support systems and passenger functions in a specific cabin zone.
• Area Call Panels (ACPs) are remote call facilities that inform attendants of a passenger or interphone call, a lavatory smoke detection, or cabin evacuation signalling, and are typically on the cabin ceiling above the aisles.
• Additional Indication Panels (AIPs) display dial and call information from the Passenger Address (PA) or the interphone and other cabin systems information like lavatory smoke location at all attendant stations.
• Additional Attendant Panels (AAPs) control certain cabin support systems and passenger functions in a specific cabin zone.

Cabin Monitoring System: Communication Functions

• The CIDS system has three communication functions: Passenger Address (PA), cabin interphone and service interphone.
• The passenger address system distributes PA announcements from the cockpit or the attendant stations to all assigned cabin loudspeakers and passenger headsets.
• A source with higher PA priority interrupts a PA announcement from a source with lower priority. Only the source with the highest priority is heard.
• The cabin interphone system enables communication between cabin crew stations, as well as between cockpit and cabin crew stations.
• One or more links can be activated simultaneously.
• The service interphone system enables communication between ground maintenance crew, cockpit crew, and cabin crew, and has service interphone jacks, cockpit acoustic equipment, cockpit handsets, and cabin handsets.

Cabin Monitoring System Control Functions

• The cabin system has several control functions.
• The central cabin system controls the general lighting and passenger reading lights independently in each cabin zone, deck or room, via the MP FAPs, optional AAPs and Mini-FAPs.
• Individual passenger reading light commands are entered via the PSUs and the IFE.
• The Emergency Evacuation signalling function controls the evacuation signalling in all cabin areas and the cockpit.
• The cabin illuminated signs function manages lighting for exit signs, No Smoking (NS) signs, Fasten Seat Belts, and Return to Seat signs.
• It also controls the lighting of the 'lavatory occupied' signs.
• The passenger call function is activated from the passenger seats (via IFE) and lavatories, reseting from attendant stations (via flight attendant panel).
• The cabin system exchanges control commands with the IFE for Passenger Call and reading lights operation, from passenger seats and IFE operation from the flight attendant panel.
• The cabin system interfaces with the air conditioning system via the ADN to remotely control cabin temperature within a range.
• Actual temperature of all cabin and optional zones is shown on the flight attendant panel.
• The cabin system controls the water/waste system via the flight attendant panel, controlling water depressurisation, water system shutdown, and pre-selection of the water quantity for potable water tank refilling.
• Centralized control of electrical window shades is possible for each zone, selectable by side (left or right).
• The cabin system, via the ADN, interfaces with the secondary power distribution system to display IFE and seat power status on the flight attendant panel.
• The cabin system interacts with the door and slide management system via the ADN, displaying the door and slide status on the flight attendant panel.

In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) System

• Supplies passengers with audio, video, data, and interactive functions like games, gambling, on-board shopping and internet service.
• The cabin distribution network and an optional satellite link supply these functions.
• Mobile phone use in the air is usually not allowed by carriers and regulatory agencies.
• Wi-Fi in-flight internet is provided via a satellite network or an air-to-ground network.
• The IFE allows passengers to connect to live Internet from IFE units or their laptops via Wi-Fi.

IFE System Architecture

• The IFE system contains the IFE Centre (IFEC), the cabin distribution network and the in-seat equipment.
• The IFE control panel is housed in the Remote Control Centre (RCC).
• The IFEC is connected to: the Remote Control Centre (RCC), the Flight Attendant Panels (FAPs), the Cabin Distribution Network (CDN), and passenger in-seat equipment, wall-mounted displays, and Wireless Access Points (WAP).

IFE Components

• The description is based on the Airbus A380 system.
• The Cabin Work Station (CWS) centralized cabin crew operations such as CIDS, PRAM, IFE, Logbook, Cabin Crew E-Mail, Passenger Profile and Electronic Documentation.
• Additional IFE control panels are installed in Remote Control Centres (RCCs), obtaining IFE control from locations other than the cabin workstation.
• The RCCs interface with Area Distribution Boxes (ADBs) of the cabin network.
• ADBs are installed inside the cabin ceiling in a single line along the aircraft's centreline, designed to supply network data, interactive data, passenger service data, and database information to Seat Electronic Boxes (SEBs).
• The ADB communicates via fiber optic and Ethernet busses and functions as a network switch, routing messages between the SEB, seat peripherals, laptops, and other system controllers.
• Floor Disconnect Boxes (FDBs) are under the floor panels of their cabins and supply audio, video, data, telephone, and service data from the ADBs to the SEBs.
• Seat Electronics Boxes (SEBs) in the Airbus system are mounted under seats to supply network (Ethernet) data and digital video/audio for passengers and Seat Display Units (SDUs).
• Seat Display Units (SDUs) are touch-screen units for passenger video selections.
• On-demand services delivered using Ethernet are rooted through the SEB and decoded in the SDU.
• The SDUs have USB and ethernet ports.
• Handset Passenger Control Unit (PCU) is the main passenger interface with the IFE system, potentially including telephone, keyboard, game controller functions, and Passenger Service System (PSS) controls.
• In Seat Power Converters (ISPC) convert 115 VAC 380 - 800 Hz to 110 VAC 60 Hz to power passenger Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs), where each unit provide several outlets, while the AC Outlet Unit is the passenger socket.
• Tapping Units (TUs) are installed inside the ceiling to receive Ethernet signals and convert it to video for the overhead monitors and can control the monitors.
• Wall Mount and Retract Display Units (DUs) are designed to display overhead video entertainment from the TU.
• BITE management for cabin systems is available through the FAP display and the flight deck MCDU.

Information Systems

Aircraft Information Systems

• The PURPOSE is to improve flight, cabin, and maintenance operations, and provide services.
• Architecture is based on networked, real-time servers/routers, combined with parameter acquisition and secure digital communications.
• The onboard system is secure for computer security and operational availability thanks to its redundant architecture.
• System collects, centralizes, and compiles all flight data on single system, external communication, data calculation/storage
• The modular system also hosts apps, tailored for the unique aircraft, that deal with the actual aircraft processes and passenger services.
• Aircraft info system improves airlines' operations on ground and in flight by: supplying electronic forms (e.g. Logbook), offering customized documentation developed by manufacturers, airlines, or third parties.
• These enhancements provide easy access to data for the flight crew and tools for easy maintenance, improving aircraft autonomy and reducing troubleshooting time.
• The cabin crew can easily access their documentation and electronic forms for cabin operations, while passengers benefit from worldwide email and Internet.

Health Management Systems

• Two currently available systems: Boeing's Airplane Health Management (AHM) and Airbus' AIRMAN.

Boeing Aeroplane Health Management (AHM)

• Enables airlines to monitor aeroplane systems and parts as well as troubleshoot during flight.
• Data from onboard systems routinely captured during flight and transmitted to airlines ground operations in real time.
• Airlines make maintenance decisions faster using AHM.

Airbus AIRMAN

• Provides maintenance analysis developed by Airbus to optimize, monitors aircraft heath, transmits fault or warning messages registered through on-board maintenance system.

Electronic Logbook (e-Logbook)

• Replaces paper logbooks
• Connects with the flight data with the ground technicians and equipment.
• Used for Defect and maintenance Action reporting and aircraft release after maintenance.
• Split into three domains: Technical Logbook (pilot), On-board Maintenance System (OMS) Logbook (line maintenance crew), and Digital Cabin Logbook (DCL) (cabin crew).
• Maintenance personnel access the e-logbook application via the Onboard Maintenance System (OMS) HMIs.

Information System BITE Testing

• BITE testing methodology is used for information systems.

Questions about the Airbus A380 cabin intercommunication and data systems (CIDS). These questions cover the functions, components, and control aspects of the cabin system, including interphone, lighting, temperature, and passenger call features.