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

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

Applications used for aircraft systems, schematic diagrams.

(b) Interpretation of logic diagrams

5.6 Basic Computer Structure

(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).

(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:

(a) 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;

(b) 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