AIRBUS 320 FAMILY

( A320 / A319 / A321 )

TRAINING NOTES FOR ENGINEERS

ATA 31
INDICATING AND RECORDING SYSTEM

MAINTENANCE TRAINING ORGANISATION

AIR INDIA ENGINEERING SERVICES LIMITED
 THIS DOCUMENT
MUST BE USED FOR
MAINTENANCE TRAINING
PURPOSE ONLY

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES
SHOULD THIS DOCUMENT
BE USED AS A REFERENCE

IT WILL NOT BE UPDATED.

 INDICATING AND RECORDING
A320 FAMILY AIRCRAFT TRAINING NOTES

ATA CHAPTER 31
ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENT SYSTEM (EIS)

ELECTRONIC FLIGHT INSTRUMENT SYSTEM (EFIS)

ELECTRONIC CENTRALIZED
AIRCRAFT MONITORING (ECAM)
 EIS ARCHITECTURE

 The Electronic Instrument System (EIS) is shown

on 6 identical CathodeRay Tubes (CRTs).

 The Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) are

displayed on identical Display Units (DUs) and
controlled through the EFIS control panels and the
lighting/loudspeaker control panels.

 The Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitoring

(ECAM) pages are displayed on identical DUs and
controlled through the ECAM Control Pane (ECP).
PFD1 ND1 ND2 PFD2
In the classic EIS, the aircraft data are seen on
Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs).

The Display Management Computer (DMC) 1

drives the Captain (CAPT) Primary Flight Display
(PFD), the CAPT Navigation Display (ND), and the
Engine and Warning Display (EWD).

The DMC 2 drives the First Officer (F/O) PFD, the

F/O ND and System Display (DU).
The Display Management
Computer (DMC) software is
modified by the On Board
Replaceable Module (OBRM).

In case of display unit failure, the

screen becomes blank, in case of
DMC failure a diagonal bar is
displayed on the relevant screens.
In the enhanced EIS, the aircraft data are seen on a
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD).

The DMC 1 normally drives the CAPT PFD, the CAPT

ND, the EWD and the SD.

The DMC 2 normally drives the F/O PFD and the F/O
ND.

The DMC 3 can be manually switched to replace the

DMC 1 or DMC 2.
Push the momentary action PFD/ND XFR switch to
interchange the PFD and ND.

The PFD image appears on the inner DU and the

ND image on the outer DU.

There is no switching from CAPT. side to F/O side.

Push the PFD/ND XFR switch again and the

displays return to the normal configuration.
The PFD has priority over the ND.

If a PFD fails or is switched OFF it is automatically

transferred to the ND.

Push the PFD/ND XFR switch to recover the ND.

Another push on the PFD/ND XFR switch will

display the PFD again.
If DMC1 fails automatically the DMC 2 can
drive the EWD and SD(ECAM only) ,DMC2
Can,t drive capt PFD & FO ND ,so manual
switching of DMC3 is required.
The internal DMC software is modified by using
the Multipurpose Disk Drive Unit (MDDU), or
by cross loading from another DMC, via the
MCDU.
In case of display unit failure “INVALID
DISPLAY UNIT” is displayed.

In case of failure of the DMC "INVALID DATA“

is displayed on the relevant screens.
The Electronic Instrument System (EIS) is shown
on identical display units and controlled through
the EIS control panels.

The ECAM displays are identical and controlled

through the ECAM control panel (ECP).

The EFIS displays are controlled by the EFIS

control panels and the EFIS Switching Panels.
CAPT EFIS CONTROL PANEL
EFIS CONTROLS F/O EFIS CONTROL PANEL

PRIMARY FLIGHT NAVIGATION NAVIGATION PRIMARY FLIGHT

DISPLAY (PFD) 1 DISPLAY (ND) 1 DISPLAY (ND) 2 DISPLAY (PFD) 2
The Display Management Computers (DMC) are
data concentrators and receive data from aircraft
sensors and systems and provide the graphic
information to the display units (DU).

Navigation, fuel and engine information is given

directly to the DMC (Not the warning information).

In normal operation DMC1 drives the CAPT

Primary Flight Display (PFD), Navigation Display
(ND), Engine and Warning Display (EWD) and
System Display (SD).
In normal operation DMC 2 drives the first officer
(F/O) PFD and ND DUs.

If DMC 1 fails, it is automatically replaced by

DMC 2 for ECAM only.

DMC 2 cannot drive CAPT PFD and ND, a manual

switching to DMC 3 is required.
DMC 3 drives any of the six DUs.

DMC 3 is a hot spare awaiting the failure of DMC 1

or 2 and can be switched to take over the DUs
linked to the failed DMC.
The flight warning computer (FWC) generates
all warning and caution messages, supplies the
attention getters, computes the flight phase and
provides aural warning.

The System Data Acquisition Concentrator

(SDAC) receives various aircraft information
and sends it to the FWC and to the DMC for
display.

The FWC uses this information to create the

amber caution.
The Primary Flight Display (PFD) and Navigation
Display (ND) controls are located on either side of
the PFD on the extreme left and right of the CAPT.
and F/O instrument panel.

They are for the Display Units (DU) ON/OFF and

brightness control and for PFD/ND transfer.

Selecting a PFD or ND control switch to OFF has

the same effect as a DU failure.
The ECAM system is displayed on two DUs, the
Engine and Warning Display (EWD) on the upper
DU and the System Display (SD) on the lower DU.

When a system page is selected manually on the

ECAM control panel, the relevant page appears on
the SD.

The system key light remains on as a reminder.

The ECAM control panel is located on the center
pedestal.

The upper display brightness potentiometer

controls the ON/OFF and brightness of the EWD.

The lower display potentiometer controls the

ON/OFF and brightness of the SD.
When the upper display fails or is switched OFF,
the EWD is automatically transferred to the lower
display.

This mode is called single display mode.

For a short term reconfiguration pushing and

holding any system key will display the selected
system.
For long-term reconfiguration, it is possible to
recover the ECAM
SD on the F/O or CAPT ND by using ECAM/ND
XFR switching
In case of failure of both ECAM DU, the EWD
can be displayed on CAPT or F/O ND by using
ECAM/ND XFR switching.
The EIS DMC transfer selector is located on the
switching panel.

When operating this selector, DMC3 replaces a

failed DMC1 or a failed DMC2.
The EIS DMC XFR switch has three
positions.

One for normal position and the others for

the transfer (CAPT 3 and F/O 3).

By selection to CAPT 3 position DMC1 is

replaced by DMC3, this selection is done
when DMC1 fails.
By selection to F/O 3 position, DMC2 is
replaced by DMC3.

This selection is done when the DMC2 fails.

The ECAM display function presents aircraft
information via two displays:

the Engine and Warning Display (EWD)

and

the System Display (SD).

The ECAM Control Panel located on the pedestal
includes:

The keys, clear (CLR), status (STS), recall

(RCL), emergency cancel (EMER CANC),
take off configuration (T.O CONFIG) and the
ON/OFF brightness control potentiometer for
each display.

Also on this ECAM control panel are the system

display page select keys.
The switching panel, located next to the ECAM
control Panel is used for:

reconfiguration control in case of Display

Management Computer (DMC) failure,
ECAM/ND transfer in case of EWD DU or SD
DU failure.
 The lower one (WARNING area) is used to
present memo and warning/caution in case of
system failure.

In normal aircraft operation (no aircraft or system

failure), MEMO information is displayed.

As soon as a failure is detected, the MEMO

messages are replaced by warning/caution
messages.
System Data Acquisition Concentrators
(SDACs) identification.

Fin: 1WV1, 1WV2

Location: Zone 127, rack 85vu (SDAC1) and

128, rack 86vu (SDAC2).

OBRM is behind door on front face

Flight Warning Computers (FWCs)
identification.

Fin: 1WW1 and 1WW2.

Location: Zone 127, rack 85vu (FWC1)

and zone128, rack 86vu (FWC2).

OBRM is behind door on front face.

Display Management Computers (DMCs)
identification.

Fin: 1WT1, 1WT2, and 1WT3.

Location: Zone 127, rack 85vu (DMC1, DMC3)

and zone128, rack 86vu (DMC2).

Note: no OBRM on front face.

A DMC coming from the shop may have no

operating software or a new software has to be
loaded.
At the bottom of the system display, permanent
data is always displayed.

Total Air Temperature (TAT) and Static Air

Temperature (SAT).

Universal Time Coordinated (UTC)

synchronized with the cockpit clock, it is
displayed in green.

Gross Weight (GW).

The ECAM operates in four display modes.

The four modes for system page presentation

are:

The manual mode which is selected from

the ECAM control panel.

Failure mode, which is an automatic

presentation due to a warning / caution
PFD / ND ON / OFF AND TRANSFER
PANELS ( 301 VU AND 500 VU)
ELECTRONIC CENTRALIZED AIRCRAFT MONITOR
ELECTRONIC CENTRALIZED AIRCRAFT MONITOR

Engine/Warning
Display

System
Display
SWITCHING PANEL 8 VU)
 THE OVERHEAD PANEL SHOULD BE
CHECKED FOR ANY LOCAL
WARNINGS.

THE SYSTEM PAGES CAN BE

CHECKED FOR ABNORMAL
INDICATIONS EITHER BY INDIVIDUAL
SELECTION OF THE PAGES OR BY
USING THE ALL PB TO SEQUENCE
THROUGH THE PAGES.
 VERTICAL SPEED
PRIMARY FLIGHT INDICATIONS
FLIGHT MODE DISPLAY
ANNUNCIATOR

ALTITUDE
INDICATIONS

AIRSPEED INDICATIONS

HEADING ATTITUDE
INDICATIONS INDICATIONS
 GROUND SPEED AND
TRUE AIR SPEED ND
ROSE ILS MODE

WIND DIRECTION / SPEED

SELECTED ILS
INFORMATION

LOCALIZER DEVIATION
BAR GLIDE DEVIAITON

ILS COURSE POINTER

 SWITCHING
Panel

EIS DMC SELECTOR

-DMC 1 SUPPLIES DATA TO

PFD 1, ND 1 AND THE UPPER
ECAM DISPLAY UNIT.
- DMC 2 SUPPLIES DATA TO
PFD 2, ND 2, AND THE LOWER
ECAM DISPLAY UNIT.

DMC 3 REPLACES DMC 1.

DMC 3 REPLACES DMC 2.

 BY SELECTING THE ECAM/ND TRANSFER SWITCH TO F/O THE SD
HAS BEEN TRANSFERRED TO THE FIRST OFFICERS NAVIGATION
DISPLAY SCREEN. NOTICE THAT THE ND IS REPLACED BY THE SD, IT
IS NOT TRANSFERRED.
 IF IT IS NEEDED TO LOOK AT A SYSTEM
PAGE THIS CAN BE DONE BY PRESSING AND
HOLDING THE RELATED SYSTEM PAGE
PUSHBUTTON ON THE ECAM CONTROL
PANEL, FOR A MAXIMUM OF 3 MINUTES.
 AS SOON AS THE SYSTEM PB IS
RELEASED THE E/WD RETURNS
AND THE LIGHT ON THE ECAM
CONTROL PANEL IS
EXTINGUISHED.
RECORDING
The main function of the SSFDRS is to
convert various critical flight parameters
into a recordable form and to record them
on a Digital Flight Data Recorder. The
stored data is also applicable to monitor
the condition of the connected aircraft
systems.
Component location
FDIU
The FDIU is connected to different aircraft systems.
DATA (parameters) are received in discrete and
digital form. The FDIU collects these parameters and
converts them for internal processing. A standardized
set of flight critical parameters are transmitted in
serialized digital form to the DFDR. These
parameters are stored on the recorder in data frame
cycles. The FDIU generates aircraft data and sends
them to the ARINC 429 output bus. A separate linear
accelerometer is installed to provide the FDIU with
acceleration data appearing in the center of gravity.
The FDIU is a microprocessor controlled unit with modules
for the collection of discrete and digital parameters and for
their conversion to a recordable form. The function and the
electrical interface complies with ARINC 717. If more than
one data bus with the same content, e.g. SDAC 1 and SDAC 2,
is connected to the FDIU, the data from system 1 is recorded
on the SSFDR. This is as long as the appropriate SSM bits are
valid and the data is updated. Invalid data from system 1 is
replaced with the appropriate data from system 2. If one
system has bad SSM bits or unrefreshed data, data from the
other system are recorded. If no valid data is available for the
SSFDR recording, then related data bits are set to zero and in
the next mainframe period the respective data bits are set to
one
It is possible to record two different versions of parameters on
the DFDR. The selection for one version is made by the Pin-
Programming. If it is not coded, the FDIU uses the code from
the last flight. In case of missing information from the last
flight, the FDIU works with Version 1. The two record
versions fulfil the different authoritys requirements:
Version 1: 64 Words/sec
Version 2: 128 Words/sec
Input/Output Characteristics
(1) Parameter Inputs:
16 DITS-ARINC 429 input ports, 12 ports Low/High speed selectable
(Low: 12.28 Kbit/s, High: 100 Kbit/s)
4 shunt discrete inputs.
(2) System Inputs:
DFDR Playback Data Input
- playback of the DFDR data for verification
DFDR BITE IN
- status line from DFDR
QAR FAIL
- status line from the QAR
QAR MEDIA LOW
- media indication from the QA
Output Characteristics
1 DITS-ARINC 429 output port (Low speed)
1 DFDR bus, harvard biphase code
- 64/128 words/sec, 12 bit each
1 QAR bus, RZ code
- 64/128 words/sec., 12 bit each RS 232 characteristic
1 status line, a discrete output to send the FDIU status via SDAC to
the CFDS
1 asynchronous output for test purposes in RS 232 characteristic
FDIU Functions
The software controlled functions of the FDIU are as given below:
- discrete parameter selection,
- selection of parameters from ARINC 429 buses,
- formatting of DFDR/QAR data output,
- processing of DFDR playback,
- Built-In Test Equipment (BITE),
- serving the RS 232 tester interface.
Verification of DFDR Playback Data
To verify the recorded data, the FDIU receives the playback
data via a serial data bus. The sync word is checked every
64th/128th input for the proper sync pattern. If a defective
sync pattern is detected, the DFDR PLAYBACK fault flag
will be written into the fault memory of the FDIU. The FDIU
also accepts DFDR data without playback.
Identification of Location
The FDIU recognizes its location on different aircraft by
decoding the aircraft identification and aircraft type, the fleet
and the DFDR format version. Parameter selection and data
processing depends on this identification code. This
information is input to the FDIU through 68 discrete input
lines.
SSFDR
The DFDR is a solid-state flight-data recorder in compliance with
ARINC 717. The SSFDR stores all aircraft information in CMOS bulk
erasable EEPROM (Flash Memory IC) devices. Being a solid state
device, the SSFDR has no moving parts. The recorder can store all data
which the FDIMU has collected over the last 25 hours. It is possible to
store more than 25hours of data if the correct combination of SSFDR
capacity and data rate are used
The DFDR is a solid-state flight-data recorder in compliance
with ARINC 717. The SSFDR stores all aircraft information in
CMOS bulk erasable EEPROM (Flash Memory IC) devices.
Being a solid state device, the SSFDR has no moving parts.
The recorder can store all data which the FDIMU has collected
over the last 25 hours. It is possible to store more than 25hours
of data if the correct combination of SSFDR capacity and data
rate are used
The data input/output is connected to the FDIU (ARINC 429).
The recorder operates in an ARINC 747 configuration, the
flight data is taken from a digital bit stream as described in this
standard. Data or software download/upload and performance
of functional testsof the recorder is able through the Ground
Support Equipment (GSE)
front connector.
The recorder stores digital flight data in a crash
protected solid state memory. This solid state
memory consists of a number of Flash
EEPROM devices which will keep their
contents if the power is removed. The recorder
receives 64, 128 or 256 words/sec series
messages (ARINC 747 format) from the Flight
Data Interface Unit (FDIU).
The data is recorded in 32K-Word Blocks divided in 512
logical pages of 64 words each. The first two pages contains
header information (partition, channel and block number) and
a bad page map. The remaining 510 pages stores the flight
data. The SSFDR software monitors the correct recording
operation continuous and an incorrect function will be
memorized (BITE). The recording duration of the recorder is
minimum 25 hours under normal flight conditions. After the
aircraft has landed, the memorized data can be down loaded
for analysis.
.
Underwater Locator Beacon (ULB)
A ULB is attached directly to the front-panel of the
DFDR. The ULB transmits a radio-signal. The ULB
starts its operation if it gets in contact with water. It
has a detection range of 1800 to 3600
meter. The ULB operates in water at a depth of 6000
meter. You can service the ULB without disassembly
of the DFDR. Maintenance has to be done at set times
to replace the battery of the ULB.
LINEAR ACCELEROMETER
The task of the LA is to measure the acceleration of the aircraft in all
three axis. The acceleration force moves a pendulum in the sensing
mechanism. A proximeter senses the movement which generates a signal
proportional in amplitude to the movement. A servo-amplifier amplifies
the signal to excite a torque coil installed on the pendulum. The current
which flows through the torque coil produces a force which is directly
proportional to the acceleration force. The voltage drop across a load
resistor connected in series with the torque coil is an accurate analog
signal of the acceleration and gives the input signal to the SDAC. The
null offset circuit lifts the null output signal to the required level.
At no acceleration, the lateral and longitudinal axis output signal is
2.6 V DC and the vertical axis output signal is 1.8 V DC.
Range of measurement:
- Vertical axis (z) = -3g to +6g
- Longit. axis (x) = -1g to +1g
- Lateral axis (y) = -1g to +1g
QAR
The purpose of the QAR is to store serial data on an FDD/OD for
on-ground performance, maintenance or condition monitoring tasks
(equivalent to the DFDR). The QAR can store data on an on-board
FDD/rewritable optical disk. The quick access to the disk and the EJECT
pushbutton is through a door, which is on the front panel of the QAR.
The disk medium is a standard of 3.5 inch and a large storage capacity of
128M bytes per disk. The data are transmitted from the FDIMU (FDIU-
part) in RZ bipolar code with 128 or 256 words per second and 25
sectors per track. The QAR complies generally with ARINC 591 and is
connected to the FDIMU.
The purpose of the QAR is to store serial data (equivalent to the DFDR
data) on a cassette for on ground performance, maintenance or
condition monitoring tasks. The installed QAR can store data on a
quickly accessible magnetic tape cassette. A door, incorporated in the
front panel of the QAR, gives quick access to the cassette. Three
windows are installed on the front panel for checking the indicator
lamps. The data frame stored on the QAR is identical to the DFDR data
frame. The data is recorded on 4 tracks on the cassette.
The status signals of the QAR are connected
to the FDIU. The FDIU causes their indication on the ECAM screen.
The failure text in the LAST LEG REPORT is 313352 QAR (3TU) and
313352 QAR TAPE LOW (3TU) . At the beginning of track No. 4 (that
means 12.5 hours before end of tape) the TAPE LOW flag is activated
and the status indicated on the ECAM screen.
Change of the Cassette
The operational procedure to change the cassette is as follows:
- Turn the handle to unlock and open the recorder door,
- Press the EJECT pushbutton, the cassette will be
electromechanically released,
-Extract the cassette,
- Change the cassette,
- Insert the new cassette in its aperture until the READY indicator
illuminates,
- Close the recorder door and turn the handle into the lock position.
FLAG
The FAULT lamp illustrates when:
- no tape motion with record command on,
- no record head current, input data present and record command on,
- CRC character indicates a failure,
- and of track 4 reached.
(b) TAPE LOW The tape low warning is operated at third track change.
(c) Not Applicable
Energization
Energization
With the oil pressurization of one or both engines, the power interlock
is released for supply of the DFDR with 115V/400 Hz. The FDIU and
the QAR are supplied directly from the busbar. The power interlock
switches the QAR RUN control. A dimmable power bus supplies the
CTL PNL indicators. For maintenance and test purposes on the ground
and for preflight checks there is an override function to supply the DFDR
and to run the QAR. When the GND/CTL button on the CTL PNL is
pushed an electric latch holds the override function. The blue ON
pushbutton light comes on. The override function supplies the equipment
until the GND/CTL button is pushed again or the automatic power
interlock becomes active.
Override of Power Interlock
With the electrically latched GND/CTL button it is possible to
override the power interlock, so that the system can be supplied for
preflight checks or for maintenance and test purposes. The GND/CTL
button is installed on the CTL PNL. To prevent the erasure of stored
data, you must not unnecessarily activate the override function of
the power interlock.
Event Mark
An EVENT BUTTON is installed to record an EVENT MARK on the
DFDR.
Indication
When you push the GND/CTL button on the control panel, an electric
latch holds the override function. The blue GND/CTL button light
comes on . The status line of the DFDR and the QAR are connected
to the FDIU. In case of a Class II fault the FDIU transmits a failure
message to the CFDS. These failures are not indicated to the crew in
flight but are the subject of an ECAM report on the ground after shut
down of the engines. If a ClassIII fault occurs the related flag is set in
the fault memory of the FDIU (up to 30 faults). This fault information
is sent to the CFDIU. These Class III faults can be displayed on the
MCDU screen via menu function (System Report/
Instruments/FDIU). These faults can wait until the next scheduled
maintenance check. In case of malfunction of the CFDS, DFDR
FAIL and FDIU FAIL are sent directly via SDAC to the ECAM
screen. The status signal DFDR FAULT and FDIU FAULT are
suppressed in flight phase 3,4,5,7 and 8 by the FWC.
RECAP
Monitoring test
Monitoring
(1) Test
The power interlock and status monitoring can be partially tested by
pushing the GND/CTL button and selecting the related CFDS menu
(SYSTEM REPORT/INST/ FDIU) on the MCDU. When the GND/CTL
button is pushed it activates the power interlock and the DFDR with
playback will give a message on the TEST menu STATUS OF DFDR :
PLAYBACK RECEIVED. If a fault occurs or a DFDR is not installed
the message FAULT/NOT INSTALLTED comes into view. A second
push on the GND/CTL button deactivates the power interlock and the
DFDR stops. Now the message DFDR OFF/ON PLAYBACK comes
into view on the TEST menu. The function of a DFDR without playback
and the QAR cannot be tested. The status of the QAR and the BITE of
the DFDR can be checked by activating the GND SCAN menu. To check
the correct functioning of the
system during operation the monitoring function in each unit (BITE)
must be continuously active. For test purposes a line test connector
is installed on the FDIU and DFDR front side. With a separate test,
the set internal functions of the FDIU and DFDR can be checked. It is
possible to print out the BITE memory of the FDIU. The DFDR
playback data is also available on the FDIU test connector.
Monitoring
The BITE of each unit permanently monitors the FDIU and DFDR. The
following monitoring are performed with microprocessor controlled or
related circuitry.For FDIU
- Monitoring operation of the microprocessor
- Monitoring operation of the gate arrays
- Monitoring operation of the memories
- Monitoring operation of the input/output interfaces
- Monitoring operation of the DFDR playback signal
- Monitoring operation of power supply circuitry.
For DFDR:
- Monitoring operation of the motion of memory
- Monitoring operation of the input data stream
- Monitoring operation of the recording channel
- Monitoring operation of recorded data
- Monitoring operation of the power supply circuitry.
For QAR:- Depending on different types of QAR
when a failure is detected, the related failure message isdisplayed on the
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