Licensing Options
Data Device Corp. (DDC), based in Bohemia, N.Y., added licensing options to its data bus test and verification, and system integration and simulation software packages. The options include USB Dongle, which offers unlimited mobility; Node Locked, which allows users to install the software to any one computer; and Network License, which allows users to determine exactly how many user instances they need to simultaneously support. The packages are available for all DDC Data Bus Analysis Software Packages, including dataSIMS, BusTrACEr, ARINC Data Bus Analyzer and LabVIEW Support Package, DDC said. Visit www.ddc-web.com.
Single-Board Computer
North Atlantic Industries (NAI), based in Bohemia, N.Y., introduced a 6U, VME Single Board Computer (SBC) with multi-function and communications I/O options. NAI said the 64EP3 eliminates the need for a separate SBC for I/O intensive system applications. The processor provides real-time, intelligent sensor data acquisition and local data management operations such as analysis, algorithm manipulation and control of all I/O functions. It also supports direct data management and distribution between dual Gigabit Ethernet and communication interfaces such as Mil-Std-1553, ARINC 429/575, RS232/422/485 and CANBus, the company said. The board includes four module slots for numerous mix-and-match configurations from a wide selection of multi-function I/O and communication modules. The available I/O functions include A/D, D/A, Discrete/TTL/CMOS/Differential I/O, RTD, Synchro/Resolver/LVDT/RVDT Measurement and Simulation and Encoder/Counter. Visit www.naii.com.
Data Converters
Shadin Avionics, of St. Louis Park, Minn., released the first two products of its AIS-450 Digital/Synchro Data Converter Platform. These products will function individually as a single-channel ARINC 429 to synchro heading and a three channel ARINC 429 to synchro heading, pitch and roll, according to the company. AIS-450 hardware is configured with digital and discrete I/O in addition to three-channel ARINC 407 3-wire synchro output for making the digital to synchro conversion. The platform provides the basis for customer defined configurations. The AIS-450 can be commonly used for ARINC 429 label 314 or 320 to synchro heading output; ARINC 429 labels 314 or 320, 324 and 325 to synchro heading, pitch, roll output; ARINC 429 to ADF, DME synchro; ARINC 429 or serial to selected course waypoint bearing; and Serial to synchro. Visit www.shadin.com.
Flight Deck Approval
Avidyne, of Lincoln, Mass., received approval from the Agência Nacional De Aviação Civil –Brasil for installation of the Entegra Release 9 (R9) Integrated Flight Deck suite in Brazilian-registered Piper PA-46 Matrix aircraft. The Entegra Release 9 retrofit for Piper PA-46 Matrix aircraft includes two XGA high-resolution IFD5000 displays, dual-redundant FMS900w systems with control/display keyboard, next-generation, fully-digital 16-watt VHF NAV/COM radios, and dual WAAS/RNP-capable GPS receivers. Visit www.avidyne.com.
Enhanced Connector
Carlisle Interconnect Technologies, of St. Augustine, Fla., introduced an Enhanced Performance SMA connector series (EPSMA), which can provide mode-free performance to 27 GHz. In addition, these connectors are tuned to provide ultra-low VSWR to 27 GHz. The product consists of field replaceable styles with industry standard flange configurations and pin sizes and low RF leakage (less than 90 dB). All interfaces conform to Mil-Std-348, according to the company. Visit www.carlisleit.com.
Display Software
Aspen Avionics, Albuquerque, N.M., released software version 2.2.3 for the Evolution Flight Display product family. The update is applicable for primary flight display (PFD) and multifunction display (MFD) products on the EFD1000, EFD1000 C3, and EFD500 hardware platforms. Evolution software version 2.2.3 adds several improvements that will enhance overall user experience, according to the company. The update includes larger fonts on the PFD and operator-configured PFD traffic overlay settings are now retained after an EFD on/off power cycle. Visit www.aspenavionics.com.
Switch Module
GE Intelligent Platforms, of Charlottesville, Va., introduced the NETernity GBX460 rugged 6U OpenVPX data plane switch module. The company said the module is the first 10 Gigabit Ethernet system of its kind to support high throughput interprocessor communication (IPC) between 10GigE-enabled processing nodes for deployed defense and aerospace applications. With 20 (optionally 24) 10GigE data plane ports and 16 GigE control plane ports, the GBX460 supports non-blocking, low latency data transfers across a multiprocessing cluster at up to full wire speed, the company said. The GBX460 is an unmanaged Layer 2 switch that can support multiple OpenVPX slots/module profiles for maximum flexibility and throughput. Visit www.ge-ip.com.
EFB Application
Jeppesen, of Englewood, Colo., introduced a situational awareness enroute application for its FliteDeck Pro electronic flight bag (EFB). Targeted for Part 121 and Part 135 commercial aircraft operators, the Jeppesen FliteDeck Pro enroute service features graphical and textual weather display options. The application features weather data graphically overlaid with the route of a carrier’s flight plan. It also supports XM satellite and Internet connections available through the open design and simple data integration framework of FliteDeck Pro. Visit www.jeppesen.com.
XMC Interface Module
Curtiss-Wright Controls Embedded Computing (CWCEC), of Leesburg, Va., introduced XMC-603, a rugged quad-channel Mil-Std-1553 XMC interface module. The XMC-603 mezzanine module speeds and simplifies the integration of dual redundant ports of Mil-Std-1553 into military and aerospace embedded computing systems, according to the company. The XMC-603 is a single-width XMC module and is available in both air-cooled and conduction-cooled configurations. It supports carrier cards with the PMC J4 mezzanine connector for backplane IO and XMC J5, or XMC mezzanine connectors Pn5 and Pn6 for backplane IO. Other features include up to four independent dual-redundant Mil-Std-1553 interfaces; BC, RT, MT modes independently selectable for each channel; XMC form factor; and PCI Express (PCIe) Gen 1 interface. Visit www.cwcembedded.com.
G1000 Approval
Garmin, based in Olathe, Kan., received European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) validation of the FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) issued for installation of the G1000 avionics suite in King Air 200 and B200 turboprops. Installation of the G1000 system meets current European regulatory requirements, including 8.33 kHz VHF communication, VHF Com Immunity from FM radio broadcasts, B-RNAV, P-RNAV, RVSM, SSR Mode S Elementary Surveillance, SSR Mode S Enhanced Surveillance, Automatic Dependant Surveillance-Broadcast and TAWS Class B. The G1000 suite integrates primary flight information, navigation data, communications, terrain awareness, traffic, weather, and engine instruments on a 15-inch multifunction display and two 10.4-inch primary flight displays. The G1000 installation on the King Air 200/B200 includes the GFC 700 three-axis, digital, dual channel, fail passive automatic flight control system. The STC includes approval for Garmin’s synthetic vision system. Standard features of the G1000 avionics suite include Class-B terrain awareness and warning system, dual integrated solid-state attitude and heading reference systems, and dual integrated digital air data computers. Visit www.garmin.com.
EFIS TSO
Astronautics Corporation of America, based in Milwaukee, received FAA Technical Standard Order Authorization for its 6-by 8-inch Electronic Flight Instrument (EFI) display, Control Panel (CP), and Engine Data Concentrator Unit (EDCU). Variations of the equipment are being offered as an Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) and Engine Instrument & Crew Alerting System (EICAS) on civil and military aircraft including C-130, L-100, helicopter and trainer aircraft, the company said. The newly TSO’d system is currently being shipped in support of C-130 avionics upgrade programs around the world. The display uses Astronautics’ LED, NVIS-compliant backlight with avionics grade active matrix liquid crystal display. The EFI uses an Intel Atom processor and can accept both analog and digital interfaces along with a video input via RS-170 with provisions for a digital video interface video or a second analog video input via RS-170, S-video or composite input. The EFI display, available with different bezel configurations, has a small mechanical package allowing it to accommodate difficult instrument panel mounting situations, according to the company. Visit www.astronautics.com.
ARINC 429 Line Driver
Holt Integrated Circuits, of Mission Viejo, Calif., introduced an ARINC 429 line driver powered by a single +3.3V supply. The HI-8596 generates all ARINC 429 voltage levels on-chip, eliminating the need for negative voltage supplies or inverters typically found in ARINC 429 bus driver designs. The HI-8596 operates from a single +3.3V supply using four external capacitors. The device also features high-impedance outputs (tri-state) when both data inputs are taken high, enabling multiple line drivers to be connected to a common bus. Different outputs are available for easy implementation of external lightning protection, allowing the requirements of DO-160F, Level 3, waveforms 3, 4, 5A and 5B to be satisfied. Visit www.holtic.com.
D-Sub Connector
Positronic Industries, based in Springfield, Mo., introduced a next generation version of its environmental D-Sub connector, called the “Unibody” design. The new design provides increased performance at a lower cost, and eliminates the need for sealants, which allows higher performance levels and lower manufacturing costs, the company said. The design allows connectors to operate in a temperature range of -40 to +125 degrees C. It is available in 13 variants, with 9 through 50 contacts, in standard and high-density options. Termination types include straight and right angle PCB, and solder cup for size 20 and size 22 wire. Visit www.connectpositronic.com.
Signal Generator
Aeroflex, based in Plainview, N.Y., debuted its S-Series RF signal generator family. The first in the series is the Aeroflex SGA analog RF signal generators. They are compact and lightweight, with low phase noise, accuracy and fast settling time. The SGA is a high-specification analog RF signal generator that is a reliable and repeatable signal source solution for general-purpose, aerospace and military test applications in laboratory, factory and field environments, according to the company. It is available in two models: the SGA 3, which has an operating frequency range of 100 kHz–3 GHz, and the SGA 6 covering 100 kHz -6 GHz, Aeroflex said. Future additions of the S-Series family will include digital signal generators for wireless-specific measurements including LTE, LTEA and IEEE 802.11ac standards, and a range of signal analyzers, according to the company. Visit www.aeroflex.com.
GA Power Products
Mid-Continent Instruments, based in Wichita, Kan., added to its line of aircraft power products for the general aviation industry. The True Blue Power product line includes the MD50 Static Inverter; MD26 Series DC-AC Inverter; and MD835 Emergency Power Supply. According to Mid-Continent, the MD50 DC-to-AC static inverter produces 115 volts at 60 Hz for 500 watts of “wall outlet” power from an aircraft’s 28 VDC input. The MD26 Series DC to AC solid-state inverters provide a reliable source of 26 volt, 400 Hz, AC power. The MD835 features a Nanophosphate lithium ion cell chemistry that offers distinct advantages over older lead-acid designs, the company said. Visit www.mcico.com.
EMC Seminar
D.L.S. Electronic Systems, Inc., based in Wheeling, Ill., is hosting an electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) design seminar and workshop. “An EMC Practical Applications Seminar and Workshop” will be held April 12-14, 2011 at the Hilton in Northbrook, Ill. For information, call 847-537-6400. Visit www.dlsemc.com/1001.
Cable Kits
Bogert Aviation, based in Pasco, Wash., introduced a line of low-loss copper cable kits, designed to improve hot and cold starting performance and eliminate most voltage drop between battery and starter. According to the company, the kits solve problems caused by aging equipment, aluminum wiring, corrosion and power hungry, lightweight starters. Kits are made with large gauge, custom-cut cable and hand assembled. Visit www.bogertgroup.com.
Power Converter
VPT, Inc., based in Blacksburg, Va., introduced a point of load (POL) DC-DC converter, the DVPL0503S. The 3A DVPL DC-DC POL converter can be used alone or in conjunction with the DVHE 50W DC-DC converter as part of VPT’s High Efficiency, Reliability Optimized (HERO) Power System. The DVPL 3A POL converter is a non-isolated, synchronous, buck regulated converter that steps down the voltage at the point of end use. The DVPL0503S is designed and built to military-grade reliability as defined in MIL-PRF-38534. Other features include 3A (10W) power output; adjustable output voltage from 0.8V to 3.4V; full military and avionics operating temperature range of -55 °C to +125 °C; and Mil-Std-461C and Mil-Std-461D EMC approval, according to the company. Visit www.vpt-inc.com.
UAS Authorization
The city of El Dorado, Kan., received two certificates of authorization (COA) from FAA to operate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) at El Dorado Municipal Captain Jack Thomas Memorial Airport. The city applied for the COAs after signing an agreement with Flint Hills Solutions (FHS), of Augusta, Kan., a UAS service provider, to promote the airport as “UAS Friendly” to public entities including emergency responders, law enforcement, fire departments and state and federal organizations, requiring airspace, facilities and technical support to train and operate unmanned aircraft. The city and FHS have plans to construct a new operations and training center at El Dorado airport in 2011. The UASs that will be operated initially at El Dorado Airport include the FHS FH-700 fixed wing unmanned aircraft and the FH-520 Vertical Take Off and Landing helicopter. Both systems are fully autonomous unmanned aircraft systems and weigh less than 55 pounds. Visit www.fhsllc.com.