Introduction to Integrated Modular Avionics

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary benefit of using Integrated Modular Avionics in an aircraft?

Reducing the aircraft's fuel efficiency

Decreasing maintenance costs and increasing reliability (correct)

Increasing the number of processor units

Increasing the workload of flight crew and maintenance personnel

How much weight has been shaved off the avionics suite of the 787 Dreamliner due to the IMA approach?

4000 pounds

2000 pounds (correct)

1000 pounds

3000 pounds

What is a benefit of using fewer computers in the IMA concept?

Increasing the number of processor units

Giving economies in fuel savings and increasing the payload factor derived from less weight (correct)

Reducing the aircraft's fuel efficiency

Increasing the workload of flight crew and maintenance personnel

What is enabled by the IMA concept?

Enabling multiple functions to be achieved with a single LRU Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of the IMA concept on the part numbers of processor units for the new A380 avionics suite?

It has halved the part numbers Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Backplane Interface Controller (BIC)?

To connect client modules to the backplane bus Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the dual-port RAM in the Bus Interface Controller (BIC) frame buffer?

To enable simultaneous read and write operations Signup and view all the answers

What type of data is programmed into the Aircraft Personality Modules (APMs)?

Aircraft-specific identification and options data Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the software firewalls in the MAUs?

To protect against malicious data from other applications Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the ASCB coupler in the MAU?

To terminate the Avionics Standard-Communication Bus (ASCB) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Local Area Network (LAN) Controller in the MAU?

To facilitate communication between MAU modules Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Avionics Standard-Communication Bus (ASCB)?

To transmit data between the major subsystems of the avionics systems Signup and view all the answers

What is the speed of the Avionics Standard-Communication Bus (ASCB)?

10 Mb/s Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the resistor terminations in the ASCB?

To stop signal reflections Signup and view all the answers

What is the duration of each data frame transmitted on the ASCB?

12.5 mS Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the master network interface controller in the ASCB?

To synchronize the transmission timing Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the transformer coupler in the bus coupler?

To isolate the buses and prevent a short circuit Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Linear Variable Differential Transformers (LVDTs)?

To provide analogue feedback to the Primary Actuator Control Electronics (P-ACE) System Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Primary Actuator Control Electronics (P-ACE) System?

To convert analogue feedback to digital data Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Autopilot Interface and Orientation Modules (AIOP)?

To transmit position data to the servos Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Flight Control Modules (FCMs)?

To transmit commands to the Primary Actuator Control Electronics (P-ACE) module Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the CAN bus interface?

To transmit data between the Flight Control Modules (FCMs) and the P-ACE module Signup and view all the answers

What is the requirement for the autopilot servos to be active and engaged?

The AIOP modules in lane A and lane B must operate at the same time Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between the Embraer 170/190's Modular Avionics Unit (MAU) and the A380's avionics system?

The MAU contains different line replaceable modules for different avionics applications, while the A380's system uses independent LRMs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Core Processing Input/Output Modules (CPIOMs) on the A380?

To host independent avionics applications Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of the Integrate Modular Avionics (IMA) system on the A380?

It uses independent LRMs to host different avionics applications Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Input/Output Modules (IOMs) on the A380?

To accommodate and link with the conventional avionics Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the Modular Avionics Unit (MAU) on the Embraer 170/190?

It is a cabinet solidly grounded to the aircraft frame Signup and view all the answers

How do the LRMs on the A380 differ from those on the Embraer 170/190?

The A380's LRMs are independent, while the Embraer 170/190's are not Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) Concept

IMA is a distributed real-time computer network aboard an aircraft, consisting of computing modules supporting various applications with differing safety criticality levels.
IMA concept reduces maintenance costs and increases reliability by using fewer computers, resulting in fuel savings and increased payload factor.
Advantages include:
- Reduced workload for flight crew and maintenance personnel
- Multiple functions achieved with a single Line Replaceable Unit (LRU)

Avionics Standard-Communication Bus (ASCB)

Primary communications path between major subsystems of avionics systems
High-speed serial data bus (10 Mb/s) using a single shielded twisted pair of wires with resistor terminations to prevent signal reflections
Data transmitted in 12.5 millisecond frames, divided into blocks or time slots
Four data buses: Left primary, Right primary, Left backup, and Right backup for redundancy

ASCB Coupler and NIC

Bus coupler isolates onside primary, onside backup, and cross-side primary buses
Uses a transformer coupler for isolation and impedance-matching
NIC (Network Interface Controller) transmits and receives ASCB and LAN data, making it available to other modules in the MAU through the Backplane Interface Controller (BIC)

MAU Boards and Client Modules

Client modules connected to the backplane bus through an internal circuit called the BIC (Bus Interface Controller) frame buffer
Dual-port RAM (Random Access Memory) allows read and write access by both the NIC and client module
Client modules may be a processor, Input/Output (I/O), memory, or other hybrid modules

Aircraft Personality Modules (APMs)

Installed in the backshells of NIC modules
Contain custom programming for the aircraft, including system identification, options, system settings, and rigging data
Protected by software firewalls to prevent malicious data

Data Communications and MAU Operations

MAUs use ASCB, ASCB coupler, LAN, and CAN data buses for data processing and operations
Propulsion/APU: Engine and APU fire detection and extinguishing control and indication, thrust reverser control and indication

Comparison of Avionics Systems

Boeing B777 and B787 avionics systems compared
EMB 170/190 and A380 Integrated Modular Avionics differences:
- EMB 170/190: Each IMA is a metal cabinet with different LRMs for avionics applications
- A380: Independent LRMs host different avionics applications, some merging 3-4 aircraft systems

A380 IMA System

Independent applications hosted in Core Processing Input/Output Modules (CPIOMs) and Input/Output Modules (IOMs)
AIOP modules collect data from avionic and flight control systems via ASCB or other FGCS inputs
Autopilot servo operation uses bidirectional CAN bus
Feedback provided by Linear Variable Differential Transformers (LVDTs) and Primary Actuator Control Electronics (P-ACE) System

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Description

Learn about Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) in aircraft, a distributed real-time computer network that supports multiple applications with varying safety criticality levels. Discover how IMA has improved aircraft design and efficiency.