Typical Electronic/Digital Aircraft Systems II

Typical Electronic/Digital Aircraft Systems II (5.15)

• Learning objectives include describing the general arrangement and BITE testing capabilities of Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA), Cabin Systems, and Information Systems, all at Level 2.

Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) Background

• The Boeing 767 and 757 were the first commercial aircraft to use digital federated architecture.
• In 1987, the industry recognized the need for transferring data files instead of individual data "words."
• The Boeing 777 led the way for Integrated Modular Architecture (IMA) with the Airplane Information Management System (AIMS).
• Traditional avionic systems are based on federated architectures, where subsystems are physically separated and difficult to expand.
• Additional LRUs require additional cable links to each other existing LRU, making expansion complex.
• Bit rate in traditional systems is up to 100Kbps, and data exchange is unidirectional.

IMA Advantages

• IMA systems are on a common platform, sharing resources like memory and processors, increasing utilization.
• IMA is more efficient because of reduced weight, size, power consumption and recurring costs.
• Airbus's A380 avionics suite has a 50% reduction in processor units.
• IMA replaces point-to-point cabling with a virtual backplane data communications network.
• LRUs can adapt to changes in network function or operating mode and have a potential path between any LRUs, making the system very robust.

Classic ARINC 429 Ethernet - Improved Bit Rate

• Ethernet-based data communication requires a connection to a common ethernet bus for transmission and reception.
• Bit rates are improved to 10 Mbps.
• Switched ethernet (using routers/switches) eliminates delays in large systems by directing or buffering traffic.

Cabin Systems Overview

• The cabin system provides an interface for crew to the cabin core and monitoring systems, and allows passengers to use the entertainment system.
• The cabin system has 3 subsystems: cabin core, cabin monitoring, and in-flight entertainment (IFE).

Cabin Core System

• In general, cabin core subsystems include the following: Cabin Intercommunication Data System (Airbus) or Cabin Service System Controller (Boeing).
• CIDS/CSSC operates, controls, monitors, transmits data related to passengers and cabin crew.
• Different systems and unit tests can be conducted.
• Airbus system includes two CIDS directors, touchscreen Flight Attendant Panels (FAPs), and mini FAPs.
• The FAPs, connected to directors, are connected to systems used by passengers and crew.

Basic CIDS Operations

• Software Loading: Updating cabin system components software is done using the Flight Attendant Panel.
• Layout Selection: Three predefined and three modifiable cabin layouts are available from the Flight Attendant Panel (requires access code).
• Cabin Programming: Configuring the zones for the cabin functions is done using the Flight Attendant Panel.
• Loudspeakers Level Adjustment: Cabin's loudspeaker output can be manually adjusted for announcements and chimes.

Flight Attendant Panel Set-Up

• The panel is used to control internal settings, including panel loudspeaker volume and screen brightness.

CIDS Architecture

• The CIDS is modular, adapting to cabin layout and functional requirements.
• The general concept is based on a controller, bus lines, and a network concept.
• CIDS directors are responsible for controller functions.
• All CIDS components are connected to two identical directors, one active and one in hot standby, monitoring performance.
• Faults detected are sent to the Warning and Maintenance System (WMS) and/or the FAP.

Multi-Purpose Flight Attendant Panel (MP FAP)

• Touchscreen interfaces allow cabin attendants to select functions like cabin illumination, cabin programming, and access sub-panels with hard keys.
• Mini-FAPs enable cabin crew to control and monitor cabin support systems and passenger-related functions within a specific cabin zone.

Additional Indication Panels (AIPs)

• Display passenger address related information and interphone information.
• Installed at all attendant stations.

Additional Attendant Panels (AAPs)

• Enable attendants to control cabin support systems and passenger-related functions within a specific zone.

Cabin Monitoring System - Communication Functions

• Includes Passenger Address (PA) system, Cabin Interphone, and Service Interphone.

Passenger Address (PA)

• Distributes PA announcements from cockpit or attendant stations to cabin speakers and passenger headsets.
• Source with higher priority interrupts lower priority announcements.

Cabin Interphone

• Used for communication between cabin crew stations and cockpit and cabin crew stations.
• Multiple links can simultaneously be initialised.

Service Interphone

• Allows communication between ground, cockpit, and cabin crew.
• Uses service interphone jacks, cockpit acoustic equipment, cockpit handsets, and cabin handsets.

Cabin Monitoring System Control Functions

• Cabin system controls cabin general lighting and passenger reading lights independently in each zone, deck, and room.
• Control commands are entered through MP FAPs, optional AAPs, and optional Mini-FAPs and for passenger lights, PSUs and IFE.

Emergency Evacuation

• Cabin systems control evacuation signalling in all areas and the cockpit.

Illuminated Signs

• Cabin system controls lighting for exit signs, "No Smoking" signs, fasten seat belt signs, and "Lavatory occupied" signs.

Passenger Call

• Passenger call function can be activated on passenger seats (via IFE) and reset at attendant stations (via flight attendant panel).

In Flight Entertainment (IFE)

• IFE supplies audio, video, data, and interactive functions.
• IFE also gives access to telephone and data network, via satellite communications link.

Wi-Fi

• Provides in-flight internet service through satellite or air-to-ground networks.

IFE System Architecture

• IFE system contains IFE Centre (IFEC), cabin distribution network, and passenger in-seat equipment.
• IFEC connects to Remote Control Centre (RCC), Flight Attendant Panels (FAPs). and Cabin Distribution Network (CDN).

IFE Components

• The Cabin Work Station (CWS) provides a central location for cabin crew operations, including CIDS, PRAM, IFE, logbook, cabin crew email, passenger profiles, and electronic documentation.

Remote Control Centres (RCCs)

• Additional IFE control panels are installed.
• RCCs receive IFE control from locations outside the cabin workstation and interface with Area Distribution Boxes (ADBs) in the cabin network.

Area Distribution Boxes (ADBs)

• ADBs are situated along the aircraft's centreline, supplying network data, interactive data, passenger service data, and database information to the Seat Electronics Boxes (SEBs).
• ADBs use fiber optic/Ethernet to communicate.

Floor Disconnect Boxes (FDBs)

• Provide audio, video, data, telephone and service data from the ADBs to seating areas.

Seat Electronics Boxes (SEBs)

• Mounted beneath seats, supply network (Ethernet) data and digital video/audio distribution to passengers.

Seat Display Unit (SDU), Seat Video Unit (SVU)

• Touchscreen units display passenger video selections, routing service via Ethernet and decoding in the SDU.
• External USB ports are available for personal devices.

Handset Passenger Control Unit (PCU)

• Main passenger interface for IFE.
• Options include phone, keyboard, game controllers, and controls for reading lights and attendant calls.

Overhead Equipment

• These units receive Ethernet signals, decoding them into video format, to be distributed to overhead monitors and enabling control of several monitors.
• Wall-mounted and retractable display units offer overhead video entertainment.

Cabin Systems BITE Testing

• Refer to BITE Philosophy and BITE Function headings for generic information on BITE testing methodology for cabin systems.
• BITE management is typically available through the FAP display and the flight deck MCDU.

Information Systems

• Designed to improve flight, cabin, and maintenance operations while providing passenger services.
• A networked system of servers and routers, using secure digital communications for security.
• Centralizes data related to a flight—combining data and communication from different parts of the aircraft.
• Improves airline ground and flight operations by providing electronic forms (like logbooks), customized apps, and electronic documentation.
• Improves airline maintenance procedures with easy access to data that enables quick troubleshooting.

Health Management Systems

• Boeing Aircraft Health Management (AHM) monitors and interactively troubleshoots issues in flight, sending real-time data to ground operations.
• Airbus AIRMAN is a similar system.

Electronic Logbook (e-Logbook)

• Electronic logbook replaces paper logbooks for recording and sharing data, with easy access for crew.

Control and Indicating

• Maintenance personnel access e-logbooks through the Onboard Maintenance System (OMS) HMIs.

This quiz covers the Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) and their advantages over traditional avionic systems. It will help you understand the architecture, BITE testing capabilities, and the evolution of digital aircraft systems, particularly focusing on pioneering aircraft like the Boeing 777.