A350 Asia Pacific Regional Conference,

Bangkok

ATA 42 - IMA & AFDX

Presented by Cyril BELLIERES
2nd-3rd
A350 Asia Pacific Regional October
Conference, Bangkok -2023 - Bangkok
2nd-3rd October 2023 EU - Not Listed / Maximum US - 9E991
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» Expertise details here

• ATA 42 In-Service engineering since 2018

• Involved in the design of 5 Avionics batches (4 on A350 and 1 on A380)
Presented by
• Previous experience in ATA 31 Design Office Cyril
BELLIERES
IMA & AFDX Product
Leader

[email protected]

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Avionics Batch AFDX Layer 1.4 Miscellaneous Conclusion
Avionics Batch AFDX Layer 1.4 Miscellaneous Conclusion

● Concept & Design

● Avionics Batch 7B
● Recommendations

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AVIONICS BATCH - Concept

Context
High level of integration and interaction between A350 avionics systems.
ATA 42 systems (IMA and
The introduction of new functions or evolutions need several systems to evolve AFDX) are at the heart of
at the same time. Airbus batching policy
Airbus defines a batching policy to synchronize the introduction of these
standards at once in linefit.

Retrofit Since A350 EIS,

Based on the batching policy, Airbus proposes multi-ATA service bulletins to: 6 avionics batches
- Ensure fleet homogeneity between linefit and in-service, have been released
- Propose the most recent standards in retrofit to improve A/C maturity.

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 AVIONICS BATCH - Service Bulletins design
Objectives
● Limit the man hours needed to install one SB part of the avionics batch
● Reduce the A/C grounding time thanks to an optimized step by step installation procedure
● Ensure A/C certified configuration after each SB installation

MOD Z Retrofitted with SB XXX

There are dependencies between the MOD.
In this example, these MOD cannot be
MOD A SB 2 installed separately (red links):
MOD G dsB • MOD A, B, C and D
nee MOD C
A ther • MOD E and F
each o
Cneed
MOD B B and
Avionics batch SB definition depends on:
MOD H
• MOD links
MOD D
• Time needed to install MOD on the A/C
MOD Y MOD E
Retrofitted with SB 1 will be a concurrent requirement to SB 2.
SB ZZZ MOD F
SB 1 Other possibilities exist to split the MOD.
MOD part of the Batch
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AVIONICS BATCH - Batch 7B: SB 42-P019 and 42-P020

SB 42-P019 – Batch 7B Part 1 SB 42-P020 – Batch 7B Part 2

Batch 7A
• SPP DRAIMS ATA 27 • FCGS X14
ATA 23 (SB 42-P017 & 42-P018)
• SPP PTT
ATA 28 • FQMS v6 Pre-requisite for Batch 7B
• CRDC B27 & B28
ATA 42 • FWS S7/4.0 SB 42-P019
• AFDX T55D & T55S ATA 31
• SPP ECAS
Concurrent requirement to
Duration: 2h30 (7 P/N) ATA 36 • MSL for EBAS/OHDS S5.1 SB 42-P020
SDT (*) option available (1h45)
• ACMS RR11
(*) Smart Data loading Tool
ATA 45 • CMS IML TR33
• DLCS CONF DICO TR32
SB Dispatch date
August 2023 Duration: 6h30 (32 P/N max) Batch 7B will be a
SDT option available (7h) pre-requisite for
(Webinar done in April 2023 available
in ISI 42.00.00010) upcoming HMCA S6

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AVIONICS BATCH - Batch 7B - SB Configurations
Why different SB configurations
Each avionics batch is a pre-requisite of the next one ⇒ Limit the scope of different
configurations in service.
Nevertheless due to complex MOD mapping and status of the in-service fleet, some
A/C have might have different configurations especially for:
● FWS ATQC and ETC code
● MOD linefited but not retrofitted with a dedicated SB (ex: IMA batch for CRDC)
● A/C option impacting one MOD part of the avionics batch

Special attention required

Airbus might not be able to know the exact A/C configuration when the Decision tree available in
operator will install the SB. dedicated avionics batch ISI to
help operators to select the
Some A/C can be in two or more SB configurations.
correct configuration
It is the operator responsibility to select the correct SB configuration
depending on the SB configuration table.

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 AVIONICS BATCH - Batch 7B - SB 42-P019 Configurations

SB 42-P019
decision tree

Option Push To Talk (PTT) on the glareshield

This optional MOD is a criteria for SB 42-P019
configuration selection.

Installation status of this MOD has a direct impact on

the P/N value of a new SPP introduced in SB 42-P019.

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AVIONICS BATCH - Batch 7B - SB 42-P020 Configurations

SB 42-P020
decision tree

SB 31-P044 and 31-P055

These SB are applicable to A/C fitted
with HMCA S4.2.
For these A/C, at the time of SB 42-P020
installation, check if these ATA 31 SB
have been installed on the A/C to select
the correct SB 42-P020 configuration:
● CONF 001
● or CONF 003
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AVIONICS BATCH - Batch 7B - Smart Data loading Tool
SDT proposed for all the avionics batch SB
Added value demonstrated on previous avionics batches: SDT detailed
● Only one operator needed to do the SB installation, information available
● Limit the human error thanks to automatic uploading an checking, in ISI 45.46.00012
● Reduce the total man hours needed to install the avionics batch SB,
● SB includes step by step procedure to use the SDT.

Airbus propose the SDT kits Free Of Charge for both SB 42-P019 and 42-P020.

Special attention required - SB 42-P019

SDT kit to be used for SB 42-P019 depends on SB configuration. Batch 7B simplifies the way to
request the SDT kits.
Ensure to have all the SDT kits needed for the whole fleet to retrofit.
Same process as classic FLS kits.
For a given A/C, ensure to have selected the correct SDT kit.

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AVIONICS BATCH - Batch 7B - Preparation tips
Preparation of batch 7B retrofit - Airbus recommendation

● For operators customizing their FWS OCED, it is necessary to generate a new P/N for the FWS S7/4.0.
The SDT will upload the Airbus OCED default P/N. The operator OCED P/N needs to be installed after SB
42-P020 completion.

● New ACMS customization for ACMS RR11:

○ Airbus support DB not part of SB FLS kits - P/N to be requested to Airbus as per ISI 45.31.00004
○ Airline DB needs to be generated again - GPT Database upgrade needed (OIT 999.0019/23)
Engineering orders to be updated with related P/N to be installed.

● Dedicated Engineering Order for each SB configuration possible on the whole fleet to retrofit.

● For each MSN, identify and install in advance all the concurrent SB which have not yet been embodied.

● FLS import on the A/C to be performed in advance with USB or IPCOM (Batch 7B import duration: 1h15)
Recommendation not applicable to SDT kits.

● Secure sufficient A/C ground time for the first A/C to retrofit (24 hours recommended if possible).
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AVIONICS BATCH - Batch 7B - Installation best practices
Installation of batch 7B - Airbus recommendation

● Check that no unknown DM or ECAM warning is active on the A/C before starting.

● Only print the procedures linked to the SB configuration applicable to the A/C to retrofit.

● Strictly follow the detailed technical procedure and stick to the synchronization points when two operators
are working in parallel (only applicable to SB 42-P020 without SDT)

● Be careful with the other maintenance actions performed in parallel on the aircraft.
Do not allow other upload tasks during the batch upload steps and reduce other maintenance tasks during
upload steps and BITE tests.

● SB 42-P020: DLCS upload part takes time - Black screen displayed for 15 to 20 minutes.
Wait until the “DLCS BACKUP MENU” is displayed. Do not attempt ASFC or OSFC reset during this time.
The DLCS upload will “invalidate” all the P/N installed on the A/C - Massive validation step at the end of
the SB procedure.
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Avionics Batch AFDX Layer 1.4 Miscellaneous Conclusion

● Architecture
● MISP status

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AFDX Layer 1.4 - Architecture
• Removal of 4 AFDX switches of Network A
compared to previous architecture:
- SW 03, 04, 05 and 06

• Both Networks A & B remain fully segregated

with partial redundancy.

• All the AFDX switches of network B remain

NO GO items.

• No H/W P/N change and swapping

capabilities kept.

Benefits
A/C weight reduction
Double power supply for all the AFDX
POE: switches of network B
A350-900: MSN 316
A350-1000: MSN 342
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AFDX Layer 1.4 - MISP - TFU 42.31.00007

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AFDX Layer 1.4 - MISP - TFU 42.31.00007 (Cont’d)

Airbus way of working

Three work packages put in place to analyze a scope of solutions Once validated, solutions
covering the three different topics described in the TFU. proposed for each work
Different Airbus stakeholders involved in the three work packages. package will be described in
the TFU
Solutions associated with each work package might have different
planning (short and long term solutions).

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 AFDX Layer 1.4 - Flight Operations
Status
Based on Airline feedback and internal analysis, different operational
impacts, caused by AFDX switch fault, have been identified as strong
contributing factors to potential IFTB or Diversion.

Airbus is willing to work on these contributing factors to improve

the situation.

Linked to TFU 42.31.00005

Possible contributor
to IFTB/Diversion

Strong contributor
to IFTB/Diversion
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AFDX Layer 1.4 - Flight Operations (Cont’d)
Different solutions under study
● Plan to update the FCOM to improve flight crew awareness
● Most of the improvements will be introduced with FWS and CDS modifications
● Some root cause analysis are still in progress (FMS fuel discrepancy)

CDS FWS
● SD pages - use of backup information if available ● Addition of faulty AFDX switch in the ECAM associated
OXYGEN with dedicated information in the FCOM
Batch 8 candidate for OXY backup info AVIONICS NETWORK SWITCH/CABLE FAULT
CAPT XX PSI (NETWORK DEGRADED) Batch 8 candidate
Under study for other SD pages - Much DUE TO SWITCH 12 FAULT
F/O XX PSI more complex due to lack of backup info
● Addition of dedicated procedure in the ECAM procedure
● Manual display units reconfiguration to recover useful 𝥷 SD PAGES DEGRADED
𝥷 OIS ON CTR & DISPLAY CYCLE AS RQRD Post Batch 8
information on other DU (ATC application, SD pages, …) WXR...........................SYS X candidate
XPDR & TCAS...................SYS X
Feasibility under study
● Other update under study: addition of subtitles for the
Alternative solution: Upper ATAxx alerts caused by the AFDX switch fault (IMA like)
center DU shutdown NAV F/O ARPT NAV FAULT
DUE TO SWITCH 12 FAULT
Feasibility at risk

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AFDX Layer 1.4 - Maintenance
Status
AFDX switch loss might impact the AFDX communication between several
avionics systems.
The consequence is that several DM and MM are recorded in the PFR.
In addition, some DM remain latched once the AFDX switch fault is cleared.
This might contribute to long and difficult troubleshooting.

Fleet monitoring service

ATA xx DM caused by Proactive recommendation
the AFDX switch fault
and grouped with the sent in case of AFDX switch
ATA 42 DM fault in flight

ATA 42 DM
ATA 42 MM Recommendation to start T/S by the
ATA 42 MM correlated to the
AVIONICS NETWORK DM

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AFDX Layer 1.4 - Maintenance (Cont’d)
T/S entry point
Due to long PFR, T/S might start with another DM not grouped with the ATA42 DM.
For some DM, the ATA42 MM is not correlated and so not identified as potential fault origin.

ATA 27 DM caused by the AFDX switch fault.

ATA 42 MM well correlated to this effect

ATA 22 DM caused by the AFDX switch fault.

ATA 42 MM not correlated to this effect ⇒

Difficulty to clear the fault

Solutions under review

● Evolution of Maintenance System Load (MSL) to improve correlation with the ATA 42 MM.
● Update of some relevant AFI tasks to guide the T/S toward the AFDX switch fault.
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AFDX Layer 1.4 - Maintenance (Cont’d)
DM latched
Once AFDX switch fault is fixed, some DM are still active on the A/C.
Depending on the systems affected, the AFDX issue leads to different system impacts.
These impacts might be latched as per design and can only be cleared with dedicated maintenance
actions on the system: Reset, BITE test, …

Analysis
Review of the DM potentially latched further to a given AFDX switch fault.
For each DM, a classification has been done to evaluate the impact of the maintenance action to be
performed to clear them.

Solutions under review

● Analysis in progress at system level to check the activation condition of the DM with high
maintenance impact (HYD, ENG, BRAKES, …).
Goal is to find solution to mitigate the impact of these DM.
● Update of AFI task A350-A-31-51-XX-00001-398A-A - “Maintenance Instructions to Clear the
Unwanted ECAM Alerts and/or the Dispatch Messages” to add instructions to clear some of
the DM with lower maintenance impacts.
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AFDX Layer 1.4 - AFDX switch failure mode
Status
The TFU 42.31.00006 - “AFDX switches failure” identifies the known
issues which can affect the AFDX switch.
Most of the issues have already been solved with dedicated solutions
(items 1 and 2) or are no more observed in service (item 3).
Airbus is working on the item 4 to improve the robustness of the
system against this kind of event.

Only on ground

Only in flight

SEU are caused by Some AFDX switch components are sensitive to SEU.
cosmic radiations at SEU leads to a memory corruption of the unit.
high altitude Due to this corruption the unit is not operative until the next
power cycle on ground (hardware reset).
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AFDX Layer 1.4 - AFDX switch failure mode (Cont’d)
Solutions under review
Two different solutions under consideration:
● AFDX switch hardware change
● External power cycle to reset the AFDX switch in flight

AFDX switch update External power cycle

Hardware change to replace sensitive AFDX switch reset in flight automatically

components to SEU by robust ones. triggered by CRDC in case of fault detection.

Impacts Impacts
● New AFDX switch P/N ● No impact on the AFDX switch
● 5 years development expected ● Introduction of new power supply relays and wires
● 1-2 years development expected
In-service retrofit
● Easy retrofit on A/C (only AFDX switch replacement) In-service retrofit
● Long deployment expected due the number of new ● Wiring modification in the avionics bay between four
AFDX switch needed for the whole in-service fleet CRDC and seven AFDX switches.
(around 5000 units). ● Expected man hours: Analysis in progress

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Avionics Batch AFDX Layer 1.4 Miscellaneous Conclusion

● ATA 42 OR

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ATA42 Operational Reliability
ATA42 Status
● Not part of the A350 top OI contributors
● AFDX is the main contributor to ATA42 OI rate
● AFDX switches of network B are the main trigger of AFDX OI: No GO items

June-22 to June-23

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Avionics Batch AFDX Layer 1.4 Miscellaneous Conclusion

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A350 Asia Pacific Regional Conference, Bangkok

Title - Conclusion
● AVIONICS BATCH 7B
➢ Retrofit with two SB 42-P019 and 42-P020 - Around 9 hours of retrofit
➢ Introduce new standards improving A350 maturity (FCGS X14, FQMS V6)
➢ Selection of correct SB configuration is key for each msn to retrofit
➢ SDT free of charge on the two batch 7B SB

● AFDX LAYER 1.4

➢ MISP in progress - TFU 42.31.00007 to follow the progress
➢ Topic part of Fleet Care forum
➢ Three main topics identified in the MISP: Flight Operations, Maintenance and AFDX switch
➢ Airbus goal is to reduce the number of faults affecting the AFDX switch and mitigate the
flight ops and maintenance impacts in case of faults
➢ Short and long term solutions are under review
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Thank you
A350 Asia Pacific Regional Conference, Bangkok

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