MODULE 5. DIGITAL TECHNIQUES / ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS

MODULE 5. DIGITAL TECHNIQUES / ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS

5.1 Electronic Instrument Systems

Typical systems arrangements and cockpit layout of electronic instrument systems

5.2 Numbering Systems

Numbering systems: binary, octal and hexadecimal;

Demonstration of conversions between the decimal and binary, octal and hexadecimal systems and vice versa.

5.3 Data Conversion

Analogue Data, Digital Data;

Operation and application of analogue to digital, and digital to analogue converters, inputs and outputs, limitations of various types.

5.4 Data Buses

Operation of data buses in aircraft systems, including knowledge of ARINC and other specifications.

Aircraft Network / Ethernet

5.5 Logic Circuits

5.5(a)

Identification of common logic gate symbols, tables and equivalent circuits;

Applications used for aircraft systems, schematic diagrams.

5.5(b)

Interpretation of logic diagrams.

5.6 Basic Computer Structure

5.6(a)

Computer terminology (including bit, byte, software, hardware, CPU, IC, and various memory devices such as RAM, ROM, PROM);

Computer technology (as applied in aircraft systems).

5.6(b)

Computer related terminology;

Operation, layout and interface of the major components in a micro computer including their associated bus systems;

Information contained in single and multiaddress instruction words;

Memory associated terms;

Operation of typical memory devices;

Operation, advantages and disadvantages of the various data storage systems.

5.7 Microprocessors

Functions performed and overall operation of a microprocessor;

Basic operation of each of the following microprocessor elements: control and processing unit, clock, register, arithmetic logic unit.

5.8 Integrated Circuits

Operation and use of encoders and decoders;

Function of encoder types;

Uses of medium, large and very large scale integration.

5.9 Multiplexing

Operation, application and identification in logic diagrams of multiplexers and demultiplexers.

5.10 Fibre Optics

Advantages and disadvantages of fibre optic data transmission over electrical wire propagation;

Fibre optic data bus;

Fibre optic related terms;

Terminations;

Couplers, control terminals, remote terminals;

Application of fibre optics in aircraft systems.

5.11 Electronic Displays

Principles of operation of common types of displays used in modern aircraft, including Cathode Ray Tubes, Light Emitting Diodes and Liquid Crystal Display.

5.12 Electrostatic Sensitive Devices

Special handling of components sensitive to electrostatic discharges;

Awareness of risks and possible damage, component and personnel anti-static protection devices.

5.13 Software Management Control

Awareness of restrictions, airworthiness requirements and possible catastrophic effects of unapproved changes to software programmes.

5.14 Electromagnetic Environment

Influence of the following phenomena on maintenance practices for electronic system:

EMC-Electromagnetic Compatibility

EMI-Electromagnetic Interference

HIRF-High Intensity Radiated Field

Lightning/lightning protection

5.15 Typical Electronic/Digital Aircraft Systems

General arrangement of typical electronic/digital aircraft systems and associated BITE (Built In Test Equipment) such as:

For B1 and B2 only:

(ACARS-ARINC Communication and Addressing and Reporting System

EICAS-Engine Indication and Crew Alerting System

FBW-Fly by Wire

FMS-Flight Management System

IRS-Inertial Reference System



For B1, B2 and B3:

ECAM-Electronic Centralised Aircraft Monitoring

EFIS-Electronic Flight Instrument System

GPS-Global Positioning System

TCAS-Traffic Alert Collision Avoidance System

Integrated Modular Avionics

Cabin Systems

Information Systems