The cheap air data computer for aviation applications

Abstract

Purpose

To present both the construction and sample applications of the small, low‐cost air data computer (ADC) with CAN interface, which has been designed at Avionics Department of Rzeszow Technical University.

Design/methodology/approach

The ADC has been developed as a partial task during realization of few aviation projects. It uses cheap piesoresistive pressure sensors with digital temperature compensation to calculate following flight data: altitude, airspeed computed in two ways as instrumental airspeed and true airspeed, altitude rate, and atmosphere parameters: pressure, temperature and air density. This device is small and lightweight then it can be used on boards of both small aircraft and unmanned flying vehicles.

Findings

This paper provides information about designed ADC's measurements accuracy. Also it informs about possibilities of the presented device uses.

Practical implications

The lightweight low‐cost ADC can reduce both price and weight of complete control systems different types of flying vehicles are equipped with.

Originality/value

This paper presets original the construction of the ADC equipped with CAN 2B interface and working with CAN Aerospace protocol.

Citation

Pieniazek, J. and Rogalski, T. (2006), "The cheap air data computer for aviation applications", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 78 No. 4, pp. 283-288. https://doi.org/10.1108/17488840610675555