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Lately I've been wondering if it's possible to interface an everyday computer with the ARINC buses (either 429 or AFDX).

This would be very useful for simulation, testing and prototyping purposes. For example, we could write a computer program that sends ARINC labels to the bus and see how the avionic systems react to it.

But I think that the greatest challenge would be in the physical layer.

The image on the left shows some connectors that we can typically find in everyday computers. The image on the right shows the connectors that we can find in the front panel of an avionic system.

             

At first glance making such a connection does not look straightforward.

Nevertheless I've done some research and I have found devices which seem capable of interfacing a computer with the ARINC bus via the USB port:

USB Avionics Interfaces for ARINC 429 & 717

These pocket-sized USB adapters are the easy and portable way to interface your computer to ARINC 429 and ARINC 717 Avionics databuses.

Source: Astronics

So connecting a computer and avionics is possible in theory. Still, I don't see how I would be able to connect this USB-ARINC adapter to the avionics box, since the connectors are different.

So there must likely be an access point somewhere in the avionics where this adapter can be connected.

This is all I could find.

So again,

  • Is it possible to communicate an everyday computer with the ARINC bus?
  • If so, what is the access point where we would connect the wire?
  • Would there be any other challenges I didn't take into account?
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    $\begingroup$ It's something that is already done for testing avionics equipment. A very hobbyist solution can be to create an interface with Arduino or any other micro controller. $\endgroup$
    – Afe
    Feb 17, 2019 at 13:10
  • $\begingroup$ "the greatest challenge would be in the physical layer": Not at all. Assuming you have a legitimate physical access to AFDX, the standard connector is a Quadrax (seen on the bottom right side of the LRU in your question), and there are Quadrax-RJ45 adapters. However AFDX switches are likely firewalled, so you would have to spoof a MAC accepted by the switches, and then understand the network topology and other host MACs. Some explanation about IMA use of AFDX in this presentation. $\endgroup$
    – mins
    Feb 17, 2019 at 15:22
  • $\begingroup$ Other than building an adapter for the connector on the box you want to talk/listen to (for ARINC 429) there is really not much to do, assuming you have either an ARINC 429 to RS232 (or USB) converter and the associated software. $\endgroup$
    – selectstriker2
    Feb 17, 2019 at 19:59

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Is it possible to communicate an everyday computer with the ARINC bus?

Sure. there are appropriate controllers to be plugged in a slot - or even as USB, like the one you found. After all, basic USB is alread way faster than ARINC 429.

If so, what is the access point where we would connect the wire?

Whatever connector the interface card/box offers. More often than not this may require some special-to-type cable. If you're able to handle a soldering iron and/or crimp pliers, building one is a reasonable job. If not, that's where you may ask the interface supplier to take even more money to sell you a fitting one.

On ARINC 664 (ADFX) it's even less an issue, as there are as well equipment using standard plugs.

Would there be any other challenges I didn't take into account?

Software. As always it's the software there the main cost and effort is hidden. While basic drivers are usually included (for ARINC 429) or default (ARINC 664), any layer above will be specific to the task you're intended to handle - and usually not exactly low priced.

For ARINC 664 it depends even more on the task intended. While basic communication runs on standard Ethernet layer, 664 adds a quality of service at layer 2. Something you OS default driver may not support. Ofc, one may (buy and) install a driver that does, still this might bring trouble on the 'regular' networkside. Due this (and to avoide collisions) adding a separate interface card with fiting drivers may be advised.

ARINC 664 opens another can of worms depending on the application intended. Basically it is a virtual implementation of a bunch of ARINC 429 busses over Ethernet. To make applications work some translation layer may be needed.

Bottom line, buying and pluging an interface in/to your PC is the least complicated step here. And everything beyond that needs in depth knowledge of what is intended to be archieved.

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