Aviation technology is steadily advancing towards UAV and hybrid types of aircraft. A critical role for proper operation of the aircraft is the stability of the electronics system, regardless the type of aircraft. In order to ensure proper operation of aircraft systems under different operating states, international aviation organizations have specified stringent avionics standards such as MIL-STD-704F, RTCA DO-160G, and ABD0100.1.8.1. These standards define the electronics system’s test requirements.

The avionic standards' test coverages are mainly defined by the corresponding voltage and frequency characteristics of an aircraft power system under different operating states, such as: Normal, Starting, Abnormal, Emergency, Transfer, and Power Failure. Avionic standards also specify that the aircraft’s power system is divided into either AC power 115V/230V or DC power 28Vdc/270Vdc, and its frequency falls in one of three ranges: 400Hz, 360Hz~650Hz, and 360Hz~800Hz. The electronic equipment used in the aircraft includes the ATR (auto transformer unit), TRU (transformer rectifier unit), avionic electronic equipment, cabin entertainment system, etc. According to avionic regulations, all of these electronic devices need to undergo immunity testing in accordance to the specified test coverage based on different operating states. The goal is to ensure that the electronic products applied comply with the specifications and maintain proper operation in each state.

Chroma 61500 series AC Source provides transient waveform capabilities as well as LIST, STEP, and PULSE modes. This allows users to set and simulate the voltage and frequency requirements directly in accordance to the avionic standards for avionics electronic equipment testing. By incorporating with Chroma Aerospace Test Soft Panels, such as: A615010: RTCA DO-160G, A615011: MIL-STD-704F, and A615012: ABD0100.1.8.1, the 61500 series AC Source is capable of providing a pre-compliance test solution in accordance with avionic standards. The Aerospace Test Soft Panels consist of test items categorized by different power groups based on specified output phase, voltage, and frequency conditions. Each test item is further broken down into test steps, which allows for step-by-step operation in order for users to observe the corresponding test results. Both Chroma 61500 and Aerospace Test Soft Panels offer what could be the most powerful and user-friendly pre-compliance test solution for avionic standards on the market today.

Please refer to the following example using the Chroma MIL-STD-704F Aerospace Test Soft Panel for test item TAC110: Normal Frequency Transient. Various parameters of the TAC110 test conditions have been pre-defined in the Chroma Aerospace Tests Soft Panel. To directly perform the automated test, the user only needs to select the test steps according to the test requirements. Test items can also be added or individual parameters such as voltage and frequency can be modified to meet the requirements of specific test objects.

Figure 1 – Avionic Tests Soft Panel Interface

Figure 2 – Selection of TAC Test Items in MIL-STD-704F Standard

 
 Figure 3 – TAC110: Normal Frequency Transient Test Steps

For more details on these and other products, please visit Chroma's website. Feel free to ask us any questions you may have. We are happy to be of service.