Module 5
Module 5: Digital Techniques / Electronic Instrument Systems
A B1 B2 B2L B3
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/989 amending Regulation (EU) No 1321/2014, Annex III (Part-66), Appendix I 12 June 2024
Knowledge Level Overview
| Ref | Topic | A | B1 | B2 | B2L | B3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.1 | Electronic instrument systems | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 5.2 | Numbering systems | — | 1 | 2 | 2 | — |
| 5.3 | Data conversion | — | 1 | 2 | 2 | — |
| 5.4 | Data buses | — | 2 | 2 | 2 | — |
| 5.5(a) | Logic circuits — Identification and applications | — | 2 | 2 | 2 | — |
| 5.5(b) | Logic circuits — Interpretation of logic diagrams | — | — | 2 | 2 | — |
| 5.6(a) | Basic computer structure — Computer terminology and technology | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| 5.6(b) | Basic computer structure — Computer operation | — | — | 2 | 2 | — |
| 5.7 | Microprocessors | — | — | 2 | 2 | — |
| 5.8 | Integrated circuits | — | — | 2 | 2 | — |
| 5.9 | Multiplexing | — | — | 2 | 2 | — |
| 5.10 | Fibre optics | — | 1 | 2 | 2 | — |
| 5.11 | Electronic displays | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| 5.12 | Electrostatic sensitive devices | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| 5.13 | Software management control | — | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| 5.14 | Electromagnetic environment | — | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| 5.15 | Typical electronic/digital aircraft systems | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Knowledge levels: 1 = basic familiarisation, 2 = general knowledge, 3 = detailed knowledge. A dash (—) means the topic is not required for that category.
Note: In Appendix I the levels are listed under four columns — A, B3, B1, and B2/B2L (shared).
1 Basic familiarisation
2 General knowledge
3 Detailed knowledge
Examination
| Category | Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| A / B3 | 20 | 25 min |
| B1 | 40 | 50 min |
| B2 / B2L | 72 | 90 min |
Detailed Syllabus
5.1Electronic Instrument Systems
- Typical systems arrangements and cockpit layout of electronic instrument systems
5.2Numbering Systems
- Numbering systems: binary, octal and hexadecimal
- Demonstration of conversions between the decimal and binary, octal and hexadecimal systems and vice versa
5.3Data Conversion
- Analogue data, digital data
- Operation and application of analogue-to-digital and digital-to-analogue converters
- Inputs and outputs, limitations of the various types
5.4Data Buses
- Operation of data buses in aircraft systems including knowledge of ARINC and other specifications
- Aircraft network / Ethernet
5.5Logic Circuits
- (a) Identification of common logic gate symbols, tables and equivalent circuits
- Applications used for aircraft systems, schematic diagrams
- (b) Interpretation of logic diagrams
5.6Basic Computer Structure
- (a) Computer terminology (including bit, byte, software, hardware, CPU, IC, RAM, ROM, PROM)
- Computer technology (as applied in aircraft systems)
- (b) Computer layout and components: microcomputer, micro-controller, address bus, data bus, control bus
- Memory devices, single and multi-address instruction words
- Memory associated terms
- Operation of typical memory devices
- Operation, advantages and limitations of the various data storage systems
5.7Microprocessors
- Functions and operation of a microprocessor
- Basic operations of each of the following microprocessor elements: control and processing unit, clock, register, arithmetic logic unit
5.8Integrated Circuits
- Operation and use of encoders and decoders
- Function of encoder types: medium, large and very large-scale integration
5.9Multiplexing
- Operation, application and identification in logic diagrams of multiplexers and demultiplexers
5.10Fibre Optics
- Advantages and disadvantages of fibre optic data transmission over electrical wire propagation
- Fibre optic data bus
- Fibre optic related terms
- Terminations
- Couplers, control terminals, remote terminals
- Application of fibre optics in aircraft systems
5.11Electronic Displays
- Principles of operation of common types of displays used in modern aircraft, including CRT, LED and LCD
5.12Electrostatic Sensitive Devices
- Special handling of components sensitive to electrostatic discharges
- Awareness of risks and damage that can be caused by improper handling of electrostatic sensitive components
- Anti-static protection devices for personnel and components
5.13Software Management Control
- Awareness of restrictions, airworthiness requirements and possible catastrophic effects of unapproved changes to software programmes
5.14Electromagnetic Environment
- Influence of the following phenomena on maintenance practices for electronic systems:
- EMC — Electromagnetic Compatibility
- EMI — Electromagnetic Interference
- HIRF — High Intensity Radiated Field
- Lightning / lightning protection
5.15Typical Electronic/Digital Aircraft Systems
- General arrangement of typical electronic/digital aircraft systems and associated BITE (Built-In Test Equipment) including:
- ACARS — Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System
- ECAM — Electronic Centralised Aircraft Monitoring
- EFIS — Electronic Flight Instrument System
- EICAS — Engine Indication and Crew Alerting System
- FBW — Fly-By-Wire
- FMS — Flight Management System
- GPS — Global Positioning System
- IRS — Inertial Reference System
- TCAS — Traffic Collision Avoidance System
- Integrated Modular Avionics
- Cabin Systems
- Information Systems