Re: RS-232 and bus interconnect
OK Folks, I've been busy. Earlier I published a schematic of a typical Skyview dual EFIS system (replicated below). I've been pondering the amount of interconnect and wondering how I'll be adding and changing the wiring in future as new instruments appear (such as Dynon may be introducing).
What I did was develop an interconnect board that takes all of the avionics that are communicating serially and put them into a wiring hub that allows simple interconnect and easy changes and upgrades. It uses standard 15-pin DSUB connectors.
I also added some ground/power bussing to simplify avionics grounding and power/bias voltage distribution. This capability is independent of the wiring hub.
First, the "before" picture:
Now, the "after" picture (same function):
Here are the details of the AXIS-15A device: Actual size is 3.8" x 2.5".
Here's what it does:
AXIS-15A
The purpose of this board is to support:
-The connection of two EFIS system serial buses together. In particular, the SkyView system's 5 serial ports, plus the SkyView GPS power/ground connections. This occupies 12 of the 15 signal buses on the backplane, and two connector positions.
-Multiple instrument connections without wire splices. Normally, only one connector position is required to support all of the connected instruments unless there is a need to fan-out to more than one instrument per signal by using additional connectors. Some applications can allocate the unused signals available on the backplane to communicate independently of the EFISs.
-Facilitate adds, changes and upgrades. Simply by swapping connector pins to other positions, a wiring change can be made in a few minutes without cutting and splicing.
-Simple access for debugging.
-Convenient ground or power busing for avionics instruments using dedicated 15-pin connectors and fast-on tabs.
-The ability to add small circuits on board by providing signal access and a prototyping area. For example, signal monitoring lamps can be wired in to provide visual indication of signal status.
Here's a representation of the wiring. In this example, the lower connectors are configured as a ground bus, a miscellaneous power bus and a dimmer bus with a simple dim function provided by a zener diode.
I am considering introducing this as a Vx Aviation product if the demand is there. If you are interested, please contact me at vern "the at sign" vx-aviation.com.
Thanks, Vern
