Outboard flaps control system based on the avionics deterministic fault-tolerant data bus LTTP

The avionics data bus systems of the last four decades were dominated by federated systems. In the European Integrated Project DECOS (Dependable Embedded Components and Systems, partially funded by EC-IST-FP6-511764), in Subproject 6 (SP6) - application demonstrator domain aerospace, the attempt was to develop a new technology approach for an integrated system based on the time-triggered communication architectures. The new technologies in flight control electronics systems selected for the DECOS SP6 test-bench consist of the following: layered time-triggered data bus architectures (LTTP), digital actuator control electronics (ACE), signal processor based motor control electronics (NICE) and a centralized system control unit (SCU) embedded in an integrated modular avionics (IMA) cabinet. These electronics were used to drive two mechanically synchronized rotary actuators with DC brushless motors. The purpose of the present paper is to describe the new technologies implemented in DECOS SP6 with an emphasis on the experiences made and efforts deployed at Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg in developing, manufacturing and integrating all components into a high-lift actuation system test-rig.