Using Flat Panel Displays in a Hybrid Analog / Digital System

摘要

Electromechanical flight instruments have been used in aircraft from the earliest days of flight. They have served well in providing very adequate flight information to the pilot to maintain control during all phases of flight. The sensors, which have provided the basic inputs, have been analog so there has been complete compatibility between sensor and display. For many current flight regimes the analog sensors are still very adequate, however new flight restrictions by the FAA and a host of additional flight aids which are digital in nature require more sophisticated displays. These displays in the case of aircraft upgrades must function not only with analog sensor inputs, but also with a variety of digital inputs. Flat panel display technology has evolved where it is capable of providing the variety of information needed in the new cockpit environments. However, where upgrades of existing aircraft are required, these displays must be uniquely designed to handle both conventional analog sensor inputs in combination with new digital systems. This paper describes the problems encountered and the approach taken to provide flat panel displays, which meet both criteria.