MPC - Multi- Purpose Computer
MULTI-PURPOSE
COMPUTER
May 2007 DO/TY Page 1
An Alenia Aeronautica and EADS joint venture
MPC - Multi- Purpose Computer
MPC
►GENERAL PRESENTATION
►APM FUNCTION
►MCDU INTERFACES /
MAINTENANCE FUNCTIONS
►TROUBLE SHOOTING DATA
May 2007 DO/TY Page 2
An Alenia Aeronautica and EADS joint venture
MPC - Multi- Purpose Computer
MPC
►GENERAL PRESENTATION
►APM FUNCTION
►MCDU INTERFACES /
MAINTENANCE FUNCTIONS
►TROUBLE SHOOTING DATA
May 2007 DO/TY Page 3
An Alenia Aeronautica and EADS joint venture
History MPC - Multi- Purpose Computer
► Yesterday, all ATR a/c equipped
with FDAU : required by ED 55
& FDAU
airworthiness authorities for
recording flight parameters. FAR 121.344 (up to 57 para)*
► Yesterday, a/c operating under
ED 55 FDAU
FAA equipped with AFDAU: & +
recording of additional FAR 121.344 (88 para) * AFDAU
parameters (from 57 to 88).
FDAU
+
► Today, MPC is an upgrade of the AFDAU
existing AFDAU MPC = +
ACMS functions
* for FAR 121.344 : If associated modifications are embodied on aircraft
May 2007 DO/TY Page 4
An Alenia Aeronautica and EADS joint venture
MPC Concept MPC - Multi- Purpose Computer
The MPC allows :
- to centralize maintenance data,
- to store maintenance data,
- to display through MCDU,
- to transfer data through ACARS if installed,
- to print data if Printer installed,
for improving data analysis and
maintenance decisions
MPC
Multi Purpose
Computer
AFDAU Part DMU Part
Auxiliary Flight Data Data Management
Acquisition Unit Unit
- FDA - QAR
- APM - G-Meter
- EHS - Maintenance
- ADS-B - ACMS
May 2007 DO/TY Page 5
An Alenia Aeronautica and EADS joint venture
MPC Concept MPC - Multi- Purpose Computer
► MPC (Multi Purpose Computer) :
+ AFDAU (Auxiliary Flight Data Acquisition Unit) Part :
• AFDAU (Auxiliary Flight Data Acquisition Unit)
• APM (Aircraft Performance Monitoring)
• EHS (Enhanced Surveillance)
• ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast)
+ DMU (Data Management Unit) Part :
• QAR/DAR (Quick Access Recorder/ Digital ACMS Recorder)
• ACMS (Aircraft Condition Monitoring System)
• G-Meter
• Maintenance BITE (AFCS / Radio Com-Nav / TCAS / PEC / EEC /
MFC)
• FDEP (Flight Data Entry Panel) removal
May 2007 DO/TY Page 6
An Alenia Aeronautica and EADS joint venture
MPC Concept MPC - Multi- Purpose Computer
► The MPC is composed of AFDAU & DMU Parts, and is
identified by two different P/N’s :
• AFDAU part : P/N ED35E109-01-02 (or -01-03) including :
– The « mechanical box »,
– The complete hardware for both AFDAU & DMU Parts,
– The AFDAU Part software.
• DMU part : P/N 360-04309-001 (old version) or 252692803-0101
(new version) including :
DMU kit content :
– The DMU kit.
• 1 CD-ROM with DMU softwares
Caution : • 1 PCMCIA
DMU Software HAVE to be • 1 Set of identification label
uploaded in computer
May 2007 DO/TY Page 7
An Alenia Aeronautica and EADS joint venture
MPC Concept MPC - Multi- Purpose Computer
► DMU Software upload philosophy :
+ For MPC on new aircraft delivered by ATR :
DMU software are uploaded by ATR before aircraft delivery.
Identification label is sticked on equipment (On front panel door) by ATR,
CD ROM (including software) & one more identification label are provided
with aircraft to the operator at aircraft delivery.
PCMCIA is inserted in MPC for aircraft delivery.
+ For MPC failed equipment in operation (return from
repair shop) :
MPC is returned from repair shop, with DMU softwares fully uploaded at the
last version certified by ATR.
May 2007 DO/TY Page 8
An Alenia Aeronautica and EADS joint venture
MPC Concept MPC - Multi- Purpose Computer
► DMU Software upload philosophy :
+ For MPC spare equipment :
DMU software HAVE to be uploaded by operator at the first aircraft
installation.
Upload procedure is described in JIC’s 31.31.85-LDG-10000 & 31.31.85-
PRO-10010
Tool necessary for DMU software upload :
Only a Personal Computer with :
One CD Rom driver
One PCMCIA driver
CAUTION : FOR MPC SPARE UNIT
DON’T FORGET TO UPLOAD DMU SOFTWARE
May 2007 DO/TY Page 9
An Alenia Aeronautica and EADS joint venture
MPC Concept MPC - Multi- Purpose Computer
► DMU Software upload philosophy :
+ DMU Software to upload on spare equipment :
• From CD-Rom (including software) provided at each aircraft
delivery to the operator (with one more identification label), when
DMU software version is always the latest certified by ATR.
OR
• From specific DMU kit to order (with new P/N), when DMU software
version has been upgraded (new functions). In this case, an
aircraft modification with associated SB will be issued.
May 2007 DO/TY Page 10
An Alenia Aeronautica and EADS joint venture
MPC Concept MPC - Multi- Purpose Computer
► DMU « Old version / New version » P/N :
+ P/N Old : 360-04309-001
+ P/N New : 252692803-0101
► DMU « Old version / New version » differences :
+ Engines reports (Cruise / Exceedence, ECTM)
+ CMC reports
+ MFC reports
+ Display hardcopy
+ Acars data transmission (if Acars on board)
► DMU « Old version / New version » availabilty :
+ Modification « wiring provision » : 5680
• SB ATR 42 31.0074
• SB ATR 72 31.1058
+ Modification « DMU Soft installation » : 5629
• SB ATR 42 31.0073
• SB ATR 72 31.1056
May 2007 DO/TY Page 11
An Alenia Aeronautica and EADS joint venture
MPC Concept MPC - Multi- Purpose Computer
DC EMER BUS
DC ESS BUS
APIU
APM DATA
APM DATA
ATC Mode S
APM Panel Enhanced
AFCS, ADC, GNSS,
ARINC 429 Surveillance
AHRS, MFC, EEC, PEC
TCAS, Analog,
Discrete, ARINC ACARS
ect …
If installed
Accelerometer
ARINC 429
Signals FDAU ARINC 573
From
Aircraft
Systems
ARINC 573
SSFDR
If printer
installed
May 2007 DO/TY Page 12
An Alenia Aeronautica and EADS joint venture
MPC Concept MPC - Multi- Purpose Computer
Old Architecture with
FDAU
ARINC 573
Accelerometer
FDAU
Signals
From
The
Aircraft
SSFDR
May 2007 DO/TY Page 13
An Alenia Aeronautica and EADS joint venture
AFDAU Part Functions MPC - Multi- Purpose Computer
► AFDAU
+ The AFDAU is an auxiliary equipment that takes place in an already
existing Flight Recording System between the FDAU and the
SSFDR.
+ Its main mission is to synchronize on and acquire the data frame
coming from the FDAU in order to generate a new data frame with
additional parameters from :
• APM function (Weight rotator position, APM signalisation light, APM
ON/OFF position, …..)
&
• FAR 121.344 parameters (up to 88), if associated modifications are
embodied.
+ This data frame that will be sent to the SSFDR complies with flight
data recording requirements defined by regulatory agencies
May 2007 DO/TY Page 14
An Alenia Aeronautica and EADS joint venture
AFDAU Part Functions MPC - Multi- Purpose Computer
May 2007 DO/TY Page 15
An Alenia Aeronautica and EADS joint venture
AFDAU Part Functions MPC - Multi- Purpose Computer
► APM (Aircraft Performance Monitoring)
• To enhance a/c safety and protection acting on the crew
awareness aspect
• Real time acquisition of a/c parameters according to the a/c
configuration and computation of weight, speed, performance.
Objectives:
• Monitoring of an abnormal increasing of the drag
• Give evidence to the crew of “severe ice” effect on the a/c
performance
• Alert the crew about the compliance with minimum required
IAS to keep
May 2007 DO/TY Page 16
An Alenia Aeronautica and EADS joint venture
AFDAU Part Functions MPC - Multi- Purpose Computer
CRUISE
SPEED LOW
INCREASE DEGRADED
SPEED PERF.
May 2007 DO/TY Page 17
An Alenia Aeronautica and EADS joint venture
AFDAU Part Functions MPC - Multi- Purpose Computer
► EHS (Enhanced Surveillance)
+ Enhanced Surveillance, through the ground acquisition
of specific parameters, will enable the ATC (Air Traffic
Controller) to increase their efficiency in tactically
separating aircraft
+ The controller’s information is improved by providing
actual aircraft derived data such as Magnetic Heading,
Indicated Air Speed, Vertical Rate and Selected Altitude.
+ This enables the controller to reduce their
radiotelephony work load and frees to concentrate on
ensuring the safe and efficient passage of AIR traffic
May 2007 DO/TY Page 18
An Alenia Aeronautica and EADS joint venture
AFDAU Part Functions MPC - Multi- Purpose Computer
► Enhanced Surveillance
– AFDAU acquire, format and send to transponder required
parameters :
• Magnetic Heading
Complete function is realized with
• True Air Speed ATC Mode S transponder and
GNSS / GPS
• IAS
• Ground Speed
• Mach Number
• Roll Angle
• True track angle
• Selected altitude
• Vertical rate
Required by March 31th 2007in the European Airspace
May 2007 DO/TY Page 19
An Alenia Aeronautica and EADS joint venture
AFDAU Part Functions MPC - Multi- Purpose Computer
► ADS-B Automatic Digital Surveillance – Broadcast
+ Make available (broadcast mode) to other a/c and to ATC centers the
following A/C datas:
• Latitude
• Longitude
• Baro Altitude
• HIL (Horizontal Integrity Limit)
• HFOM (Horizontal Figure Of Merit)
+ Improve a/c situational awareness and knowledge
+ Replace primary/secondary ground radar
+ Strongly recommended in “remote areas”
+ AFDAU will acquire, format and send to transponders required
parameters.
Note : no firm certification basis available today; on-going
experimentation
May 2007 DO/TY Page 20
An Alenia Aeronautica and EADS joint venture
DMU Part functions MPC - Multi- Purpose Computer
► QAR (Quick Access Recorder)
+ Why?
• Operators want to carry out specific flight analyses
+ How?
• Recording of all DFDR parameters on a PCMCIA card
• To store up to 1Gb (up to 2230 flight hours)
► DAR (Digital ACMS Recorder) / SAR (Smart ACMS
Recorder) (SAR only with new DMU P/N).
+ Why?
• Operators may create, following their particular needs,
specific reports which will be stored on PCMCIA card.
+ How?
• By a specific customization, through a GSE (Ground Station Equipment)
tool.
May 2007 DO/TY Page 21
An Alenia Aeronautica and EADS joint venture
DMU Part functions MPC - Multi- Purpose Computer
► ACMS Aircraft Condition Monitoring System
+ Why?
• Capable of doing a/c parameters analyses for specific uses :
– Engine reports (cruise & exceedence) for Tend Monitoring
– Cycle Counting
– CMC reports
– …
+ How?
• Use all acquired parameters by MPC,
– Included in basic aircraft definition (ATR specification),
Or
– Using of a GSE (Ground Station Equipment) tool.
May 2007 DO/TY Page 22
An Alenia Aeronautica and EADS joint venture
DMU Part functions MPC - Multi- Purpose Computer
► G-Meter
+ Why?
• To be able to read a/c flight and landing vertical accelerations
• Parameters can be analysed without a DFDR download
• To avoid a lengthy immobilisation of the a/c by making a DFDR analysis
+ How?
• Storage of max vertical acceleration in the PCMCIA card
• Access and reading through a MCDU G-Meter page
May 2007 DO/TY Page 23
An Alenia Aeronautica and EADS joint venture
DMU Part functions MPC - Multi- Purpose Computer
2- Acceleration
► G-Meter compared
Aircraft Flight Manual
1- Acceleration
checked
Acceleration
G-METER
DATE GMT FLT
22JUL 1300 0002
GMT ACC 3.2
Hard
1200 -1.75 FLT landing Zone
1200 +1.50 FLT 3.0
1200 +1.85 GND
VERT ACC : VALID 2.8
LONG ACC : VALID
LAT ACC : INVALID 2.6
Normal
RETURN PRINT landing Zone
2.4
12000 14000 16000 18000 20000 Weight
3- Decision: stop a/c or keep on flying
May 2007 DO/TY Page 24
An Alenia Aeronautica and EADS joint venture
DMU Part functions MPC - Multi- Purpose Computer
► Maintenance BITE
+ Why?
• To make available BITE reading and/or analysis tools in the cockpit
• To give recommendations in plain text
+ How?
• Get access to existing BITE data in the relevant computers
• Read BITE messages through a MCDU BITE page
BITE
AFCS
RADIOS
MFC
PEC/EEC
TCAS
RETURN PRINT
May 2007 DO/TY Page 25
An Alenia Aeronautica and EADS joint venture
DMU Part functions MPC - Multi- Purpose Computer
► FDEP function for new aircraft (or FDEP removal for old
one is associated modification embodied)
+ Why?
• To get some room available on the pedestal for further options (ex:
Printer).
• To improve pilot’s interface.
+ How?
• FDEP not installed for new aircraft (or removed on old one if associated
modification applied).
• MCDU has a FDEP page for Time (Date & UTC) update and Flight
Number selection. TIME & FLIGHT
HOUR : MINUTE
13 : 32
Menu usable only when FDEP not installed on aircraft MONTH: DAY
04 : 12
•Basically not installed on new aircraft YEAR
2005
•Removed on old aircraft with dedicated modification FLIGHT NUMBER
2473
RETURN
May 2007 DO/TY Page 26
An Alenia Aeronautica and EADS joint venture
Operators Benefits MPC - Multi- Purpose Computer
► Effective maintenance
+ Maintenance information centralized and directly available
+ Precise diagnoses and recommendations associated
+ Anticipate maintenance tasks
+ Divide up and organize the tasks more efficiently
► Flight parameters access
+ Full and highly reliable record
+ Recorded data are simply available by removing the PCMCIA card
+ Technical staff can be sure to process correct data
+ Maintenance data can be printed (if printer installed)
+ Maintenance reports can be transfer by ACARS (when installed)
May 2007 DO/TY Page 27
An Alenia Aeronautica and EADS joint venture
Additional Features MPC - Multi- Purpose Computer
► PTE : Portable Test Equipment
Sagem has developed a specific tool
Function Need a MCDU composed of a software and a
QAR --- dedicated harness (link from MPC to
DAR --- a personal computer) for a/c not
ACMS --- equipped with a MCDU.
G-Meter YES
APM --- The PTE (Portable Test Equipment)
Maintenance BITE YES allows, through a graphic interface,
Enhanced Surveillance --- to display on a personal computer a
ADS-B --- “virtual MCDU” that offers the same
functions as the real MCDU for the
FDEP Removal YES
maintenance purpose.
May 2007 DO/TY Page 28
An Alenia Aeronautica and EADS joint venture
