DIGITAL SYSTEM BUS INTEGRITY

Abstract : This report summarizes and describes the results of a study of current or emerging multiplex data buses as applicable to digital flight systems, particularly with regard to civil aircraft. Technology for pre-1995 and post-1995 timeframes has been delineated and critiqued relative to the requirements then envisioned. The primary emphasis has been on assured airworthiness of the more prevalent type buses, with attention to attributes such as fault tolerance, environmental susceptibility, and problems under continuing investigation. Additionally, the capacity to certificate systems relying on such buses has been addressed. Keywords include: Avionics, Bus architecture, Bus topology, Digital flight systems, Fault tolerance, MUX buses, Networks, Protocols, Requirements, and System integration.