Module 5.
Digital Techniques/Electronic Instrument Systems
LEVEL
B1-1 B1-2
A B2 B3
B1-3 B1-4
5.1 Electronic Instrument Systems 1 2 2 3 1
Typical systems arrangements and cockpit layout of electronic
instrument systems.
5.2 Numbering Systems 1 2
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 1 2
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 2 2
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 2 2 1
equivalent circuits;
Applications used for aircraft systems, schematic diagrams.
(b) Interpretation of logic diagrams. 2
5.6 Basic Computer Structure
(a) Computer terminology (including bit, byte, software, hardware, 1 2
CPU, IC, and various memory devices such as RAM, ROM,
PROM);
Computer technology (as applied in aircraft systems).
(b) Computer related terminology; 2
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.
Module 5. Digital Techniques/Electronic Instrument Systems
LEVEL
B1-1 B1-2
A B2 B3
B1-3 B1-4
5.7 Microprocessors 2
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 2
Operation and use of encoders and decoders;
Function of encoder types;
Uses of medium, large and very large scale integration.
5.9 Multiplexing 2
Operation, application and identification in logic diagrams of
multiplexers and demultiplexers.
5.10 Fibre Optics 1 1 2
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 2 1 2 1
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 1 2 2 2 1
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 2 1 2 1
Awareness of restrictions, airworthiness requirements and possible
catastrophic effects of unapproved changes to software
programmes.
Module 5. Digital Techniques/Electronic Instrument Systems
LEVEL
B1-1 B1-2
A B1.3 B1.4 B2 B3
5.14 Electromagnetic Environment 2 2 2 1
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 2 2 2 1
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.
