Avionics Fault Tree Analyzer,
Abstract
Reliable self-diagnosing avionics is at hand. Due to recent technological advances in microcomputing and large scale integration, overhead cost of flying avionics support functions have been minimized. The F/A-18 aircraft allows use of a man-portable, microprocessor-controlled, ground-based test set to isolate avionic failures to the electronic card or shop replaceable assembly (SRA). Through a single existing connector on the aircraft, this Avionics Fault Tree Analyzer (AFTA) communicates, exercises, interrogates, and diagnoses the avionic subsystems. There are many instances when the AFTA not only isolates faults in the electronics but also in the aircraft wiring. Largely due to the truly distributive processing architecture of the aircraft and the modular design of the avionics, fault detection and isolation well beyond the Weapon Replaceable Assembly (WRA) is achieved within milliseconds. Avionics as sophisticated as the flight control system, radar, and the stores management system are supported quickly and efficiently with electronics card replacement without intermediate level ground support facilities. Although the AFTA is currently a ground based device, the AFTA function will be incorporated in future aircraft. The required hardware for an AFTA already exists in contemporary aircraft. AFTA is composed of a general purpose microcomputer with two input/output interfaces. The human interface uses plasma display and touch panel to reduce weight and increase ease of operation. The aircraft's multipurpose displays and associated programmable menu switches would satisfy this function. The aircraft interface is a derivative of MIL-STD-1553 avionics multiplex bus.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADP002854
Entities
People
- M. E. Harris
Organizations
- McDonnell Aircraft Corporation