The equipment in an aircraft are automatically controlled
by a central computer, known as the Mission Computer (MC).
The MC interacts with the other avionics equipment through three MIL-STD-1553
communication buses. Multi Function Keyboard (MFK) is one such equipment. It is used to
communicate with the pilot about the status of various equipment and the navigation.
The MFK has, at its heart, a MOTOROLA 68000 series processor with ROM, RAM and EEPROM
memory to carry out its task. The MFK is the pilot interface for all communications with
MC or other equipment through MC. It is connected to one of the 1553 buses, used by MC for
data communication. It is also connected to the Multi Function Rotary switch (MFR) through
a RS422 interface.
The MFK has a built-in display unit and a keyboard. The display unit is LCD based. The
keyboard has provisions to enter alphabetic and numeric values. There are a number of
control buttons to facilitate the pilot communication with MC.
The software has been developed as a real time, embedded application. The development
platform includes the C Language, pSOS real-time kernel, and the 68000 series Assembly
Language. Teamwork Case Tool was used during system analysis. It was also used for the
preparation Software Requirement Specification.
The MFK software provides various functionalities to assist effective communication with
MC. These messages are handled by MFK in the following three different modes of
operations.
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Initialisation phase (Init) |
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Operations Flight Program (OFP) |
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Flight Line Maintenance (FLM) |
The software is capable of receiving the page information
from MC in binary format and validate them. Upon valid information, it converts them into
pilot readable alphabetic and numeric values before displaying the page on the screen. The
software can also process page requests from the pilot and send that message to MC to get
the details for a new page.
The software allows the pilot to modify the flight parameters, validates the pilot input
and sends them to MC for effecting the changes. The pilot can request the MC to send the
status of other avionics equipment. Also, those equipment can be turned ON or OFF by the
pilot depending on the need.
The system is capable of storing the data for waypoint library and airfield library. The
data is sent from Mission Preparation and Retrieval Unit (MPRU). The system sends the
results of the data loading to MPRU. The pilot can browse or change the waypoint library.
The system also provides the ability to maintain alternate waypoints to enable the pilot
to complete the mission.
The software is responsible for handling the time management functions of the MFR. It
manages the real time display and the stop watch functions.
The software also has the following management functions:
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Identification |
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CCU communication. |
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Built-in tests |
During identification, MFK sends the hardware and software
version number to MC. The software sends all its MC messages to Coding and Control Unit
(CCU) also. This enables the CCU to take charge of the system, in case the MC fails for
some reasons. The software comes with a built-in test feature to ensure its proper
functioning.
The development has followed the MIL-STD-2167 standards in all its phases, such as design,
development and testing. |
