Keywords
Citation
(2000), "Avionics databus using a notebook computer", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 72 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2000.12772ead.008
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2000, MCB UP Limited
Avionics databus using a notebook computer
Avionics databus using a notebook computer
Keywords DDC, Avionics, Databus
A new ARINC 429 PCMCIA card from DDC (Plate 1) is reported to offer commercial aircraft systems engineers and maintenance staff the ability to access avionics data using a notebook computer. The ARINC 429 databus is used by many of the western world's commercial aircraft, and the card provides a portable interface allowing the bus to be analysed and data to be downloaded.
Plate 1 The
new ARINC 429 PCMCIA card from DDC
The DD-42921M2-300 is a type II PCMCIA card which features two receive and one transmit channels, and the choice of high or low data rates. In DDC's opinion the portability offered will be especially useful in ramp and flight line testing as well as on-board testing and data collection.
An optional commercial avionics utilities software includes a Windows-based Databus Analyzer, ARINC 615 Dataloader and an ARINC 739 MCDU simulator.
Each of the card's two receivers has a 32-word receive FIFO which, when combined with the 32K word per channel software, claims excellent data transfer reliability in Windows environments. A 1,024-word software mailbox on each channel stores the most recently received data value for any of the label/source destination identifier (SDI) combinations.
The card's transmitter also includes a 32-word FIFO which allows the host PC or notebook to transfer blocks of data to the DD-42921M2-300 card.
The card's software includes a Window-based virtual control panel which allows the user to start using the card without the need for programming, and control and diagnostic software verifies that the card is installed and operating properly.
The maximum operating current is only 120mA and the card can reportedly operate over the 0C to +50C temperature range.
Details available from DDC. Tel: +44 (0)1635 811140; Fax: +44 (0)1635 32264.