Testing and analysis of a `smart´ interface to connect two complex avionics bus systems without significant modification to the software of either system

Laboratory proof-of-concept testing has been completed to show how a smart interface terminal (called the bus translator unit) can interface with and interconnect two complex data bus systems. The testing utilized an existing software integration laboratory of the core (flight management and navigation) avionics system of a digital fly-by-wire rotorcraft. The coupled system and the smart interface were simulated to the level required to exchange data and control commands. Translations and formatting of the data were required to match those needed by the aircraft and the unique mission avionics suite. Two-way exchanges of data and control commands are demonstrated