Modern aircraft use a variety of equipment and devices to assist pilots in their different flight phases. One such device that is vital for an aircraft’s operation is the air data computer.
Air data computers are commonly of the vibrating cylinder pressure sensor type. The device measures altitude, airspeed, pressure and temperature in order to supply high-accuracy parameters to flight controls and navigation systems. Air data computers must conform to stringent standards since aircraft operate at extreme altitudes, speeds and temperatures.
The device also needs to interface smoothly with several other critical aircraft systems such as engine control, guidance and auto pilot systems. It must also communicate through data buses quite easily and conform to established standards. Very few manufacturers have the know how and expertise to come up with units that blend in and perform to the highest levels under the most rigorous conditions, while at the same time also delivering precise data.
The vibrating cylinder technology is proven and reliable and has less drift than common silicon sensors. Swiss flight instrument manufacturer Thommen shows market-leading reliability thanks to its selection of premium-grade materials, from the tin walled cylinders down to the electromagnetic coils that make up the assembly. This top-notch design practically eliminates any need for maintenance or recalibration, thereby providing the best choice for downtime-free operations.
How does the device communicate? Through the ARINC429 interface; an industrial data bus which can be configured, for the best devices, to match specific aircraft types and their operational profiles. The air data computer must have the ability to fit on multiple platforms and to work flawlessly with a variety of third-party systems such as TAWS, ACAS/TCAS, EGPWS, FMS and ADS-B transponders. A device that can be tailored to the aircraft with options on sensor inputs and encoded altitude outputs is therefore by far a better choice for aircraft manufacturers.
The aircraft manufacturer’s reputation depends on reliability and performance provided by the various systems and sub-systems installed on board. The air data computer holds a key position in this respect.
Blog resource:
https://thommenaircraft.wordpress.com/2018/08/08/the-importance-of-choosing-the-right-air-data-computer/
