Router
Satcom Direct, of Satellite Beach, Fla., announces its new Satcom Direct Router (SDR), a next-generation aircraft network router which will enable business and military aviation customers to manage all cabin communications systems onboard their aircraft and simultaneously use multiple satellite connections.
The SDR is satellite-ready and allows simultaneous use of Inmarsat, SwiftBroadband, Swift 64, Ku-Band and Ka-Band satellite connections with intelligent traffic control, along with Wi-Fi access and 3G/4G cellular network connectivity, the company said. The SDR works with systems from Cobham, Honeywell and Rockwell Collins. It also supports ViaSat Yonder Ku-Band system and is designed to work with Inmarsat’s upcoming Global Xpress/Ka-Band Service.
The SDR is compatible with most existing Wi-Fi access points and features 802.11n Dual-Band (2.4 + 5.0 GHz) Wi-Fi and is backward-compatible with 802.11b/g. Four simultaneous wireless networks will be supported initially, allowing multiple systems to operate on the aircraft without additional wireless access points. This allows for separate guest or dedicated VVIP networks. While on the ground, 3G/4G network connectivity is an option through the SDR, and Satcom Direct offers data plans for domestic and global roaming through the use of the SDR’s Dual-SIM module. Visit www.satcomdirect.com.
Integrated Circuit
Holt Integrated Circuits, based in Mission Viejo, Calif., introduced the HI-8435, a 3.3V, 32-channel, discrete-to-digital sensing IC with SPI interface and built-in lightning protection. The sense input thresholds and hysteresis are programmable via the 20MHz SPI bus and all 32 sense output states may be read with a single SPI command, and it is fully compliant to Airbus ABD0100H, the company said.
The 32 sensing channels are divided into 4 banks of 8 inputs, with each bank configurable over the SPI bus to detect either GND/Open or 28V/Open signals. Thresholds and hysteresis are programmable in 0.5V steps from 2V to 21V, with GND/Open and 28V/Open input banks independently configurable.
The device is available in industrial −40C to +85C and extended −55C to +125C temperature ranges.
Visit www.holtic.com.
Radar Altimeter
Garmin introduced the GRA 5500 digital radar altimeter for transport category, helicopter, business and general aviation aircraft. Using patent-pending digital signal processing technology, the GRA 5500 works to provide smooth altitude tracking resulting in a consistent and accurate altitude above ground indication, even over the most challenging environments like rough terrain, tree canopies, sand and choppy water, according to the company.
The GRA 5500 incorporates built-in self-test monitors that continuously cross check the data and system integrity, assuring the pilot of an accurate measurement of the height above ground. This technology also provides for a simpler installation, with easy calibration, and eliminates the requirement for long lengths of antenna cables that are traditionally required in the installation of radar altimeters.
The GRA 5500 has received FAA’s Technical Standard Order authorization.
Visit garmin.com.
Training Course
The MITRE Corp., based in McLean, Va., launched a training course designed to assist aviation professionals in implementing a global air navigation management system. The five-day course will focus on best practices to implement the recently introduced Aviation System Block Upgrades (ASBU) and is being offered through the MITRE Aviation Institute in McLean, Va., in June.
The goal of the course is to promote a common understanding of the ASBU methodology for civil aviation authorities, aviation service providers, and industry members who are involved in aviation systems modernization, the company said. Focus areas include the overall framework and objectives of the ASBU, business case development, capability selection criteria, and effective implementation strategies that ensure expedient and cost-effective results. The training is open to airspace managers, airport managers, designers, planners, aircraft operators and aviation industry professionals.
Visit www.mitre.org.
Type Certification
Teledyne Controls, based in El Segundo, Calif., said enhanced Airborne Data Loader (eADL) is now available from Boeing for line fit installation on the Next-Generation 737 aircraft type. The FAA Type Certification was recently completed after the eADL certification airplane was successfully delivered to its end customer.
The eADL facilitates data transfer between ground-based computers and onboard avionics equipment. All of the Software Parts for the airplane can be stored in the eADL Mass Storage Device internal memory. In a single action, the Loadable Software Parts can be uploaded to the eADL onboard, using a USB memory stick, according to the company.
Visit www.teledynecontrols.com.
Power Controllers
Data Device Corp. (DDC), of Bohemia, N.Y., introduced a new generation of its solid-state power controllers (SSPC).
The systems include DC-to-DC converters to simplify power supply requirements, a new command interface to reduce bus traffic, and enhanced digital discrete control capability designed to improve system integration, according to the company.
The SSPCs provide advanced programmability to simplify crew operation, automated power control to optimize power utilization, and automated prognostic/diagnostic reporting which eliminates the need for scheduled maintenance. They also provide Size, Weight, and Power savings, with higher reliability and longer life compared to electromechanical circuit breakers and relays, DDC said.
Visit www.ddc-web.com.
Rugged Connector
Amphenol Aerospace, of Sidney, N.Y., introduced a high speed, rugged connector capable of delivering data rates up to 10 Gbps per pair. The high density Oval Contact System (OCS) features improved signal integrity via reduced cross talk as well as enhanced attenuation performance as compared to industry standard quadrax, the company said.
Designed for high speed applications including, but not limited to 10/40G Ethernet, HDMI/DVI video, 1/2/4/8G Fibre Channel, SATA, Serial RapidIO and PCI Express, the rugged OCS connector is ideal for use in the defense, commercial and industrial markets, Amphenol said.
They come in nine insert patterns, the largest of which includes 21 differential pairs in a MIL-DTL-38999 series III shell size of 25. The OCS withstands a minimum of 500 mating cycles and features an operating temperature range of -65°C to +175°C.
Visit www.amphenol-aerospace.com.
Route Planning System
Boeing subsidiary Jeppesen, based in Englewood, Colo., offers route planning capabilities that can be transferred between mobile devices and installed avionics to improve data access for general aviation pilots. The new route planning system synchronizes smart-enabled devices with certified panel-mount avionics through the Aspen Avionics Connected Panel communication network, the company said. Jeppesen route planning data created with Jeppesen Mobile FliteDeck on iPad is then transmitted for review through Aspen Avionics MFD 500 or 1000 units.
The route plan transfer process also works beginning with route planning data transmitted through the Aspen Avionics Connected Panel network to Jeppesen Mobile FliteDeck on iPad. GPS-based own-ship position data can also be transferred through the Aspen Avionics gateway to Jeppesen Mobile FliteDeck on iPad to show positioning on Jeppesen airport diagrams and enroute charts.
Visit www.jeppesen.com.
Wire Distribution
TE Connectivity (TE) announces a regional distribution agreement with WireMasters, of Columbia, Tenn. This new relationship will increase product accessibility to customers throughout North, Central and South Americas and improve customer service and delivery, the companies said.
In addition to their current product offering, WireMasters will now be stocking TE’s SPEC 55 cross-linked ETFE / specified to Boeing Specification standard BMS13-48, Electroloss FilterLine cables, High-Speed Data Cables, SPEC 44 cross-linked polyvinylidene difluoride), and custom-designed EPD cables.
Visit www.wiremasters.net.
Airport Information
Saab Sensis introduced the Aerobahn Airport Dashboard, which provides a single point for the collection, recording, distribution, updating and alerting of airport status information for proactive management of airport operations.
The Aerobahn Airport Dashboard is a stand-alone product for the real-time information-sharing needs of an airport of any size. Users can post updates, attach documents, and draw attention to the status of any aspect of the airport. The Aerobahn Airport Dashboard is comprised of a single home screen that allows users to quickly view and edit critical airport status information; notification bar for an up-to-date activity log of all airport status changes; and a Web portal that allows viewing of the Aerobahn Airport Dashboard from any web browser or mobile device for quick updates. Visit www.saabsensis.com.
Enhanced Flight Tools
Rockwell Collins today unveiled the latest enhancements to its Ascend Flight Manager online application, which further streamlines flight operations for business aircraft. New features include faster flight planning and filing; enhanced flight time prediction and fuel burn calculation; easier flight brief creation; and more dynamic flight tracking.
Visit www.rockwellcollins.com.