Development and application of flight audio control system test equipment

The audio controller is an important component in the avionics system and an intermediary for communication inside and outside the cabin. To ensure air traffic safety, its audio characteristics must be tested. Traditional testing methods are unsatisfactory and new equipment is needed. This article analyzes the characteristics of the audio controller, proposes test equipment requirements, designs the overall architecture and hardware and software, as well as the design and implementation of test cases to improve test performance and coverage.


Audio Controller Overview

The audio controller includes a chassis and a key panel with application software, connected to the flight display, microphone, headset, speaker, radio, etc., and its functions cover call mode switching, signal processing, data communication, health management, etc. The communication channel is set through the flight display, and the call mode and voice function are switched by key. The software can self-check and report the results, and self-check periodically. The traditional test method is manual testing, which has problems such as low test coverage, high cost, and low efficiency.

Test Equipment Requirements Analysis

The test equipment should be suitable for scenarios such as debugging and environmental testing, and must have functions such as audio signal input and output simulation, performance analysis, bus communication, discrete quantity simulation, power distribution, and test control management. The interface includes programmable interface, audio signal input and output interface, high-speed bus interface, Ethernet interface, etc.


Test equipment architecture design

The test equipment consists of a main control computer, a programmable power supply, an excitation board, an audio analyzer, an interface adapter, etc. The hardware design is centered on the main control computer, with integrated test resources, and the device under test is connected through an interface adapter. The software design adopts a modular design, including modules such as startup, self-test, test control, and data recording.

Test design and implementation

Test cases and programs for the functional performance of the audio controller are designed. For example, the audio communication function test tests performance parameters such as distortion and signal-to-noise ratio by simulating input and output signals. The signal path switching test tests the audio output path switching function, realizes automated testing, and improves test efficiency.

This paper designs a general aviation audio controller test device, which realizes semi-automatic testing of the functions and performance of the audio controller, improves test efficiency and coverage, and ensures general aviation safety.