How many individual computers in A320?
Think I was told 220 when I did the course but goodness knows if that is correct but even the bog flush uses a computer so probably not far off. Someone did describe it as a collection of computers held together by an airframe.
Psychophysiological entity
Then calculate how many times more computing power it has compared to the first moon lander, Eagle.
Don't forget the pilot's watches.
Don't forget the pilot's watches.
First, define 'computer'.
If you get down to the micro-controller level, each passenger seat probably has one to handle the call button, reading light, etc. Add in the passenger entertainment units (usually running something like Linux) and the total probably exceeds several hundred easily.
Practically every box/card in the EE bay has its own 'computer' to handle built-in test functions and report back on data buses.
If you get down to the micro-controller level, each passenger seat probably has one to handle the call button, reading light, etc. Add in the passenger entertainment units (usually running something like Linux) and the total probably exceeds several hundred easily.
Practically every box/card in the EE bay has its own 'computer' to handle built-in test functions and report back on data buses.
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I take your point. Our passengers arn't lucky enough to have screens on the seat in front.
I'm referring to the boxes in the avionics compartment.
Elac, sec, probe heat computer, gpws etc
Excluding the IFE.
I'm referring to the boxes in the avionics compartment.
Elac, sec, probe heat computer, gpws etc
Excluding the IFE.
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Not an A320 engineer, but the matter would still come back to the definition of a computer.
Do you include transceivers (VHF, HF, Satcom, Radio Altimeter, Radar... ), receivers (VOR, ILS, Marker, GPS...), transponders (ATC), tuners (HF), interrogators (DME), recorders (including DFDR and cockpit voice), ACARS, Cabin Interphone/Flight Interphone/PA, Selcal, TCAS, cockpit display data processors..... Even nav and comms boxes have fault processors.
Do you include transceivers (VHF, HF, Satcom, Radio Altimeter, Radar... ), receivers (VOR, ILS, Marker, GPS...), transponders (ATC), tuners (HF), interrogators (DME), recorders (including DFDR and cockpit voice), ACARS, Cabin Interphone/Flight Interphone/PA, Selcal, TCAS, cockpit display data processors..... Even nav and comms boxes have fault processors.
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I'm referring to the boxes in the avionics compartment.
Elac, sec, probe heat computer, gpws etc
Excluding the IFE.
Elac, sec, probe heat computer, gpws etc
Excluding the IFE.
Last edited by underfire; 16th Nov 2016 at 23:52.
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When I did my B744 course I seem to remember we were told 121 in the E&E bay, ranging from a chip the size of a digital camera memory card, (about 1.5inches square, in those days) to something much bigger, possibly the nav data base?
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Originally Posted by parabellum
When I did my B744 course I seem to remember we were told 121 in the E&E bay, ranging from a chip the size of a digital camera memory card, (about 1.5inches square, in those days) to something much bigger, possibly the nav data base?
If you're including individual computer cards, I'm sure there are a lot more than 121. There are about 25 fire detection cards alone (on the 744)
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If you're including individual computer cards, I'm sure there are a lot more than 121. There are about 25 fire detection cards alone (on the 744)
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Yup, just repeating what an E & I engineer mentioned once, in passing, he was only referring to the E & E bay.
Last edited by NSEU; 24th Nov 2016 at 00:00.