AFDX and IMA

IMA or integrated modular avionics is one of the four new avionics ATA for modern aircaft. IMA or integrated modular avionics is under the ATA 42, used by A380 and later aircraft.

AFDX is the data communication network utilized in the IMA system. Of course, there are other data network, such as ARINCS 429, 629 utilised in the IMA system, but AFDX was specifically designed to meet the IMA requirement. The AFDX is specified in the ARINC 664 part 7.

To assist in learning about AFDX, I include some links.

a. PDF powerpoint... at http://www.afdx.com/pdf/AFDX_Training_October_2010_Full.pdf

b. Youtube Video ///

ATA 44 CABIN SYSTEM

I faced challenges to conduct courses on the ATA 44.

To start with, this is a new ATA, and not many references are available. If you were to check the aircraft's ATA, there are not many aircraft types using ATA 44.  This forced me to select A380 as the reference module.

The reference are readily available in the internet.

This as an example..

 I was using four reference to prepare the course...

1. Airbus training manual
2. Airbus Maintenance Manual
3. Flight Crew Manual
4. Crew guides

SYLLABUS FOR MODULE 11A

Those going for B1.1 (Airplane Turbine) License have to take Module 11A.

Module 11A is about the aeroplane aerodynamics, structure and systems. Under the previous BCAR Section L, the licenses were segmented into smaller responsibility area:

- Airframe
- Engine
- Electrical, plus other licenses.

However under EASA, The Airframe, Engine and Electrical are combined into one single license, B1.1.

However this blog is only focused on the avionics / electrical components. On some system like Electrical Power, there appears to duplication with module 3. I would consider, module 11A is the application of the basic knowledge taught in module 3. In module 3, we learn about the construction and operation of batteries, and in module 11A, we learn about the batteries as fitted to an aircraft.

The syllabus is given below...

11.6 Electrical Power (ATA 24) Level 3 -
Batteries Installation and Operation;
DC power generation;
AC power generation;
Emergency power generation;
Voltage regulation;
Power distribution;
Inverters, transformers, rectifiers;
Circuit protection;
External/Ground power;

11.8 Fire Protection (ATA 26) Level 3 -
(a) Fire and smoke detection and warning systems;
Fire extinguishing systems;
System tests.
(b) Portable fire extinguisher Level 1

11.14 Lights (ATA 33) Level 3 -
External: navigation, anti-collision, landing, taxiing, ice;
Internal: cabin, cockpit, cargo;
Emergency.

11.18 On Board Maintenance Systems (ATA 45) Level 2 -
Central maintenance computers;
Data loading system;
Electronic library system;
Printing;
Structure monitoring (damage tolerance monitoring).

11.19 Integrated Modular Avionics (ATA42) Level 2
Functions that may be typically integrated in the Integrated Modular
Avionic (IMA) modules are, among others:
. Bleed Management, Air Pressure Control, Air Ventilation and Control,
Avionics and Cockpit Ventilation Control, Temperature Control, Air
Traffic Communication, Avionics Communication Router, Electrical Load
Management, Circuit Breaker Monitoring, Electrical System BITE, Fuel
Management, Braking Control, Steering Control, Landing Gear
Extension and Retraction, Tyre Pressure Indication, Oleo Pressure
Indication, Brake Temperature Monitoring, etc
Core System;
Network Components

11.20 Cabin System (ATA44) Level 2 -
The units and components which furnish a means of entering the
passengers and providing communication within the aircraft (Cabin
Intercommunication Data System) and between the aircraft cabin and
ground stations (Cabin Network Service). Includes voice, data, music and
video transmissions.
The Cabin Intercommunication Data System provides an interface
between cockpit/cabin crew and cabin systems. These systems support
data exchange of the different related LRU’s and they are typically
operated via Flight Attendant Panels
The Cabin Network Service typically consists on a server, typically
interfacing with, among others, the following systems:
- Data/Radio Communication, In-Flight Entertainment Systems
The Cabin Network Service may host functions such as:
- Access to pre-departure/departure report
- E-mail/intranet/internet access,
- Passenger database,
Cabin Core System
In-Flight Entertainment System
External Communication System
Cabin Mass Memory System
Cabin Monitoring System
Miscellaneous Cabin System

Introduction to Module 11.21 Information System

To introduce the subject, I would like to use the Flight Crew briefing used for A380.
There are basically 3 main groups of users:
- the maintenance personels
- flight crews
- cabin crews.

As the name indicates, these are information systems. It should not have a direct link to the aircraft systems.

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ATA 46 - Information System Syllabus

The modern digital aircraft are fitted with Information Systems. For the purpose of licensing, the ATA 46 is included in

A.  Module 11. 21.

The breakdown of the content is given below... Level 1 for Category A and Level 2 for Category B1
The units and components which furnish a means of storing, updating and retrieving digital information traditionally provide on paper, microfilm or microfiche. Includes units that are dedicated to the information storage and retrieval function such as the electronic library mass storage and controller. Does not include units or components installed for other uses and shared with other systems, such as flight deck printer or general use display.

1. Typical example include Air Traffic and Information Management System and Network Server Systems
2. Aircraft General Information Systems;
3. Flight Deck Information System;
4. Maintenance Information System;
5. Passenger Cabin Information System;
6. Miscellaneous Information System;

B Module 12.

12.19 Information Systems (ATA46). Level 1 for Cat A and 2 for Cat B1.
You will notice the similar syllabus for both.
The units and components which furnish a means of storing, updating and retrieving digital information traditionally provide on paper, microfilm or microfiche. Includes units that are dedicated to the information storage and retrieval function such as the electronic library mass storage and controller. Does not include units or components installed for other uses and shared with other systems, such as flight deck printer or general use display
Typical example include Air Traffic and Information Management System and Network Server Systems
Aircraft General Information Systems;
Flight Deck Information System;
Maintenance Information System;
Passenger Cabin Information System;
Miscellaneous Information System;

B737 Hydraulic System

For those who are going for B1-1, I am suggesting to take B737 Hydraulic System as the basic aircraft. It is because in Malaysia, the B737 aircraft is better known to the examiners at the civil aviation authority. The second reason is, it is a simpler aircraft compared to other commercial aircraft.

The knowledge of hydraulic system is in Module 11A, Fixed Wing Aircraft Structure and System.

The hydraulic power is one of the three common source of power in modern aircraft. The other two are the electrical power and the pneumatic power.


The hydraulic system on B737, like in many aircraft is used to power...
- flight control
- Landing gear and brake
- Cargo doors
- thrust reverser

Basically the system is divided into two, A and B, both systems are driven by engine pumps and hydraulic pumps.