ARINC Protocol

Tutorial

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ARINC Protocol Tutorial Manual Copyright 2000 Condor Engineering, Inc.
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ARINC Protocol Tutorial (1600100-0027)

Document Date:
Document Revision:

27 March, 2002
1.05

Condor Engineering, Inc.

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Santa Barbara, CA 93101
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Contents and Tables

Contents
Chapter 1

ARINC 429 Tutorial

Introduction.................................................................................................... 1
About ARINC................................................................................................ 2
What is ARINC 429? ............................................................................... 2
ARINC 429 Usage ................................................................................... 3
ARINC 429 Electrical Characteristics.......................................................... 3
Protocol .................................................................................................... 5
Bit Timing and Slew Rate........................................................................ 6
ARINC 429 Word Format............................................................................. 7
Parity......................................................................................................... 7
SSM .......................................................................................................... 7
Data........................................................................................................... 8
SDI............................................................................................................ 8
Label......................................................................................................... 8
Transmission Order.................................................................................. 9
ARINC 429 Data Types ................................................................................ 9
BCD Data Encoding ................................................................................ 9
BNR Data Encoding ..............................................................................10
Mixed Formats .......................................................................................11
Discrete Data Formats............................................................................11
Maintenance Data ..................................................................................12
Data Translation Method.............................................................................12
Bit Oriented Protocols.................................................................................15

Chapter 2

Other ARINC Protocols

ARINC 419..................................................................................................19
ARINC 453..................................................................................................20
ARINC 561/568...........................................................................................20
ARINC 573..................................................................................................20
ARINC 575..................................................................................................21
ARINC 582..................................................................................................21

ARINC Protocol Tutorial

ARINC 615..................................................................................................21
ARINC 629..................................................................................................22
ARINC 708..................................................................................................22
ARINC 717..................................................................................................22

Appendix A

References
List of References........................................................................................23

Table of Figures
Figure 1. ARINC 429 Bit Encoding Example ............................................ 5
Figure 2. Slew Rates and Bit Timing Diagram........................................... 6
Figure 3. Generalized ARINC Word Format.............................................. 7
Figure 4. Generalized BCD Word Format.................................................. 9
Figure 5. BCD Word Format Example..................................................... 10
Figure 6. Generalized BNR Word Format................................................ 10
Figure 7. Example BNR Encoding ........................................................... 10
Figure 8. File Transfer Scheme Version 1 (no Windows) ....................... 16
Figure 9. ARINC 561 6-Wire Bit Encoding ............................................. 20
Figure 10. Harvard Bi-phase Bit Encoding............................................... 21

List of Tables
Table 1. Partial List of Equipment IDs ....................................................... 4
Table 2. ARINC 429 Characteristic Summary........................................... 5
Table 3. ARINC Bit Characteristics ........................................................... 6
Table 4. SSM Codes for BCD data............................................................. 7
Table 5. SSM Codes for BNR data............................................................. 8
Table 6. Dedicated Discrete Example....................................................... 11
Table 7. Examples of BCD Labels ........................................................... 13
Table 8. Examples of BNR Labels ........................................................... 13
Table 9. Equipment IDs for Tables 6 and 7.............................................. 13
Table 10. Message Sequence for Label 241 ............................................. 14
Table 11. Systems Using Bit Oriented Communications
and Their Address Labels.......................................................................... 17

ii

ARINC Protocol Tutorial

CHAPTER

ARINC 429 Tutorial

Introduction
This document provides an overview of ARINC 429 and other ARINC
protocols. ARINC 429 is the most commonly used data bus for
commercial and transport aircraft. This document explains the origins of
the ARINC Corporation, the data bus specification and where ARINC 429
is used. Then it summarizes the principal electrical and data
characteristics, which are defined in the specification.
This document is not a complete description of ARINC 429. It is intended
only as a brief tutorial and isnt meant to replace the complete
specification, which can be purchased from ARINC (see Appendix A,
References for contact information).
ARINC 429 employs unidirectional transmission of 32 bit words over two
wire twisted pairs using bipolar RZ format. This tutorial includes charts
illustrating slew times and bit timing. It describes the five fields in each
word and explains the use of labels. Messages are repeated at specified
intervals with typical applications sending groups or frames of messages.
Examples are given of the commonly used word formats such as BNR,
BCD, Discrete data, and other formats. Also explained is a newer bitoriented protocol, sometimes called the Williamsburg Protocol, which has
been introduced to provide an improved method of transmitting files of
data. Additionally, the document includes a brief explanation of other
ARINC specifications, such as 419, 561, 573, 582, 615, and 717.
Frequent references are made to ARINC Specification 429 and many
examples are taken from it. This tutorial is intended to introduce you to the
subject. Individuals needing more detail should obtain a copy of the
specification from ARINC and also should consider consulting other
sources identified in the list of references.
This document has been prepared by Condor Engineering Incorporated for
use by its employees and customers. Condor is a full-service manufacturer
of Test, Simulation, and Interface products for avionics data buses. The

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About ARINC

ARINC 429 Tutorial

hardware and software can be used to monitor or simulate data bus

messages for analyses and for simulating bus operation. To learn about
the full line of Condor products, visit our Web site or contact us by phone
or fax. Information can also be obtained via e-mail. See the Copyrights
page of this manual for the latest contact information. Detailed installation
and user manuals are provided with each product, and demonstration
software is available free of charge.

About ARINC
Aeronautical Radio, Incorporated (ARINC) is a major company that
develops and operates systems and services to ensure the efficiency,
operation, and performance of the aviation and travel industries. It was
organized in 1929 by four major airlines to provide a single licensee and
coordinator of radio communications outside the government. Only
airlines and aviation-related companies can be shareholders, although all
airlines and aircraft can use ARINCs services. It is now a $280 million
company with headquarters in Annapolis, Maryland and over 50 operating
locations worldwide. The company has two major thrusts:
!

Communications and information processing services for the aviation

and travel industry.

System engineering, development and integration for government and

industry.

ARINC has provided leadership in developing specifications and standards

for avionics equipment, and one of these specifications is the focus of this
tutorial. Industry-wide committees prepare the specifications and
standards. ARINC Specification 429 was developed and is maintained by
the Airlines Electronic Engineering Committee (AEEC) comprising
members that represent airlines, government, and ARINC.
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) in
Washington, D.C. also maintains a specification document with ARINC
429 labels: ARINC 429 General Aviation Subset.

What is ARINC 429?

ARINC 429 is a specification, which defines how avionics equipment and
systems should communicate with each other. They are interconnected by
wires in twisted pairs. The specification defines the electrical and data
characteristics and protocols, which are used. ARINC 429 employs a
unidirectional data bus standard known as Mark 33 Digital Information
Transfer System (DITS). Messages are transmitted at a bit rate of either
12.5 or 100 kilobits per second to other system elements, which are
monitoring the bus messages. Transmission and reception is on separate

ARINC Protocol Tutorial

ARINC 429 Tutorial

ARINC 429 Electrical Characteristics

ports so that many wires may be needed on aircraft, which use a large
number of avionics systems.

ARINC 429 Usage

ARINC 429 has been installed on most commercial transport aircraft
including; Airbus A310/A320 and A330/A340; Bell Helicopters; Boeing
727, 737, 747, 757, and 767; and McDonnell Douglas MD-11. Boeing is
installing a newer system specified as ARINC 629 on the 777, and some
aircraft are using alternate systems in an attempt to reduce the weight of
wire needed and to exchange data at a higher rate than is possible with
ARINC 429. The unidirectional ARINC 429 system provides high
reliability at the cost of wire weight and limited data rates. Military
aircraft generally use a high-speed, bi-directional protocol specified in
Military Specifications MIL-STD-1553.
Each aircraft may be equipped with different electronic equipment and
systems needing interconnection. A large amount of equipment may be
involved depending on the aircraft. These are identified in the
specification and are assigned digital identification numbers called
Equipment ID. A partial list of equipment identified in ARINC
Specification 429-15 can be found in Table 1 along with their digital
addresses.
The specification also identifies a number of systems, which are capable of
interchanging files of data in a bit-oriented format. Such files may require
the transmission of a number of messages in sequence. Systems capable of
bit-oriented communications and their addresses are listed in Table 10.
The SAL is used to identify the recipient of a bit oriented message.

ARINC 429 Electrical Characteristics

An ARINC 429 data bus uses two signal wires to transmit 32 bit words.
Transmission of sequential words is separated by at least 4 bit times of
NULL (zero voltage). This eliminates the need for a separate clock signal
wire. Thats why this signal is known as a self-clocking signal.
The nominal transmission voltage is 10 1 volts between wires
(differential), with either a positive or negative polarity. Therefore, each
signal leg ranges between +5V and -5V. If one leg is +5V, the other is -5V
and vice versa. One wire is called the A (or + or HI) side and the
other is the B (or - or LO) side. This is known as bipolar return-tozero (BPRZ) modulation. The composite signal state may be one of three
levels:
!

ARINC Protocol Tutorial

HI which should measure between 7.25 and 11 volts between the two
wires (A to B).

ARINC 429 Electrical Characteristics

ARINC 429 Tutorial

NULL which should be between 0.5 and -0.5 (A to B).

LO which should be between -7.25 and -11 volts (A to B).

The received voltage depends on line length and the number of receivers
connected to the bus. No more than 20 receivers should be connected to a
single bus. Since each bus is unidirectional, a system needs to have its
own transmit bus if it is required to respond or to send messages.
Table 1. Partial List of Equipment IDs
Eq. ID

Equipment Type

Eq. ID

Equipment Type

001

Flight Control Computer (701)

029

ADDCS (729) and EICAS

002

Flight Management Computer (702)

02A

Thrust Management Computer

003

Thrust Control Computer (703)

02B

Perf. Nav. Computer System (Boeing 737)

004

Inertial Reference System (704)

02C

Digital Fuel Gauging System (A310)

005

Attitude and Heading Ref. System (705)

02D

EPR Indicator (Boeing 757)

006

Air Data system (706)

02E

Land Rollout CU/Landing C & LU

007

Radio Altimeter (707)

02F

Full Authority EEC-A

008

Airborne Weather Radar (708)

030

Airborne Separation Assurance System

009

Airborne DME (709)

031

Chronometer (731)

00A

FAC (A310)

032

Passenger Entertain. Tape Reproducer (732)

00B

Global Positioning System

033

Propulsion Multiplexer (PMUX) (733)

00D

AIDS Data Management System

034

Fault Isolation and Detection System (734)

010

Airborne ILS Receiver (710)

035

TCAS (735)

011

Airborne VOR Receiver (711)

036

Radio Management System (736)

012

Airborne ADF System (712)

037

Weight and Balance System (737)

016

Airborne VHF COM Receiver (716)

038

ADIRS (738)

017

DEFDARS-AIDS (717)

039

MCDU (739)

018

ATC Transponder (718)

03A

Propulsion Discrete Interface Unit

019

Airborne HF/SSB System (719)

03B

Autopilot Buffer Unit

01A

Electronic Supervisory Control

03C

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

01B

Digital Flap/Slat Computer (A310)

03D

Airborne Vibration Monitor (737/757/767)

01C

Engine Parameter Digitizer (Engine)

03E

Center of Gravity Control Computer

01D

A/P & F/D Mode Control Panel -757/767 03F

Full Authority EEC-B

01E

Performance Data Computer (Boeing)

040

Cockpit Printer

01F

Fuel Quantity Totalizer

041

Satellite Data Unit

020

DFS System (720)

046

CTU

023

Ground Proximity Warning Sys (723)

047

Digital Flight Data Recorder

024

ACARS (724)

----

additional items

025

Electronic Flt. Instruments (725)

----

026

Flight Warning Computer (726)

----

027

Microwave Landing System (727)

241

High Power Amplifier

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ARINC 429 Tutorial

ARINC 429 Electrical Characteristics

The transmitting and receiving circuits must be designed for reliably

sending and detecting the null transition between high and low states. The
parameters vary with the type of operation as defined in Reference 2. The
slew rates and tolerances are shown in Figure 1 for both 100K and 12.5K
data rates.

Figure 1. ARINC 429 Bit Encoding Example

Table 2 summarizes ARINC 429 characteristics.

Table 2. ARINC 429 Characteristic Summary
Electrical Characteristic

Value

Voltage Levels, each leg with respect to ground

+5V, 0V, -5V

Voltage Levels, Leg A with respect to Leg B

+10V, 0V, -10V

Bit Encoding

Bipolar Return to Zero

Word size

32 bits

Bit Rates

100K or 12.5K bits per second

High Speed Slew Rate

1.5 +/- 0.5 sec

Low Speed Slew Rate

10 +/- 5 sec

Protocol
ARINC 429 is a very simple, point-to-point protocol. There can be only
one transmitter on a wire pair. The transmitter is always transmitting
either 32-bit data words or the NULL state. There is at least one receiver
on a wire pair; there may be up to 20.
In most cases, an ARINC message consists of a single data word. The
label field of the word defines the type of data that is contained in the rest
of the word.

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ARINC 429 Electrical Characteristics

ARINC 429 Tutorial

Bit Timing and Slew Rate

The slew rate refers to the rise and fall time of the ARINC waveform.
Specifically, it refers to the amount of time it takes the ARINC signal to
rise from the 10% to the 90% voltage amplitude points on the leading and
trailing edges of the pulse. See Figure 2.
Table 3. ARINC Bit Characteristics
Parameter

High Speed

Low Speed

Bit Rate

100K bits/second

12.5K-14.5K bits/second

Time Y (one bit)

10 sec 2.5%

1(bit rate) sec 2.5%

Time X

5 sec 5%

Y/2 sec 5%

Pulse Rise Time

1.5 0.5 sec

10 5 sec

Pulse Fall Time

1.5 0.5 sec

10 5 sec

Figure 2. Slew Rates and Bit Timing Diagram

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ARINC 429 Tutorial

ARINC 429 Word Format

ARINC 429 Word Format

ARINC data words are always 32 bits and typically use the format shown
in Figure 3 which includes five primary fields, namely Parity, SSM, Data,
SDI, and Label. ARINC convention numbers the bits from 1 (LSB) to 32
(MSB).
32 31 30 29
P

SSM

11

DATA

PAD

10

DISCRETES

MSB

SDI

1
LABEL

LSB

Figure 3. Generalized ARINC Word Format

Parity
The MSB is always the parity bit for ARINC 429. Parity is normally set to
odd except for certain tests. Odd parity means that there must be an odd
number of 1 bits in the 32-bit word that is insured by either setting or
clearing the parity bit. For example if bits 1-31 contain an even number of
1 bits, bit 32 must be set to create ODD parity. On the other hand, if bits
1-31 contain an odd number of 1 bits, the parity bit must be clear.

SSM
Bits 31 and 30 contain the Sign/Status Matrix or SSM. This field contains
hardware equipment condition, operational mode, or validity of data
content. Applicable codes are shown in Table 4and
Table 5.
Table 4. SSM Codes for BCD data
Bit

ARINC Protocol Tutorial

Meaning

31

30

Plus, North, East, Right, To, Above

No Computed Data

Functional Test

Minus, South, West, Left, From, Below

ARINC 429 Word Format

ARINC 429 Tutorial

Table 5. SSM Codes for BNR data

Bit

Meaning

31

30

Failure Warning

No Computed Data

Functional Test

Normal Operation

Data
Bits 29 through 11 contain the data, which may be in a number of different
formats. Some examples are provided later in the tutorial. There are also
many non-standard formats that have been implemented by various
manufacturers. In some cases, the data field overlaps down into the SDI
bits. In this case, the SDI field is not used.

SDI
Bits 10 and 9 provide a Source/Destination Identifier or SDI. This is used
for multiple receivers to identify the receiver for which the data is
destined. It can also be used in the case of multiple systems to identify the
source of the transmission. In some cases, these bits are used for data.
ARINC 429 can have only one transmitter on a pair of wires, but up to 20
receivers.

Label
Bits 8 through 1 contain a label identifying the data type and the
parameters associated with it. The label is an important part of the
message and is described in more detail below. It is used to determine the
data type of the remainder of the word and, therefore, the method of data
translation to use. The various data types are described in detail below.
Labels are typically represented as octal numbers.

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ARINC 429 Tutorial

ARINC 429 Data Types

Transmission Order
The least significant bit of each byte except the label is transmitted first,
and the label is transmitted ahead of the data in each case. The order of
the bits transmitted on the ARINC bus is as follows:
8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 32.
Note:

When a 32-bit ARINC word is transmitted on the bus, in the case of the
label, the most significant bit is transmitted first. This reverse order is in
contrast to the transmission order of the other bits in the ARINC word.

ARINC 429 Data Types

All ARINC data is transmitted in 32 bit words. The data type may be
Binary Coded Decimal (BCD), twos complement binary notation (BNR),
Discrete Data, Maintenance Data and Acknowledgment, and ISO Alphabet
#5 character data. In the newest versions, bit oriented packets of messages
can be used to transmit files.

BCD Data Encoding

BCD, or binary-coded-decimal, is a common data format found in ARINC
429 and many other engineering applications. In this format, four bits are
allocated to each decimal digit. A generalized BCD message is shown in
Figure 4. Its data fields contain up to five sub-fields. The most significant
sub-field contains only the bits, so that its maximum decimal value can be
7. If the maximum decimal value is greater than 7, bits 29 through 27 are
padded with zeros and the second sub-field becomes the most significant.
The example message in Figure 5 conveys the data that the DME distance
is 25786 and has a positive sign. The specific equipment, numeric scale,
and location of the decimal point are a function of the label and are
discussed later.
32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9
P

SSM

CHAR 1

CHAR 2

CHAR 3

CHAR 4

CHAR 5

SDI

1
LABEL

Figure 4. Generalized BCD Word Format

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ARINC 429 Data Types

ARINC 429 Tutorial

32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9
P

SSM
0

SDI

1
LABEL

Figure 5. BCD Word Format Example

BNR Data Encoding

BNR or binary encoding is also a very common ARINC data format.
This type of encoding simply stores the data as a binary number, much in
the same format that is used on virtually every modern-day computer.
Figure 6 shows the general BNR format. Bit 29 is the sign bit and bit 28 is
the most significant bit of the data field, which represents one half of the
maximum value of the parameter being defined. Successive bits represent
the increments of a binary fraction series.
32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9
P

SSM

Data

Pad

SDI

1
LABEL

Figure 6. Generalized BNR Word Format

Negative numbers are encoded as the twos complement of positive values.

If bit 29 is a 1 then the number is negative (or South, West, Left, From,
or Below). Otherwise, it is positive (or North, East, Right, To, or Above).
Figure 7 shows an example of BNR encoding. The particular message
uses label 103, which is Selected Airspeed. By referencing the ARINC
429 specification, we know that the scale is 512, and 11 bits are used (29
through 19). A zero in bit 29 shows that this is a positive value. The
numeric value is obtained by multiplying the scale factor, determined from
data type associated with the label, by the ratio indicated by each
successive bit and adding them together. Bit 28 is of the scale factor
(256 in this case), bit 27 is of the scale factor, bit 26 is 1/8 of the scale
factor, bit 23 is 1/64, bit 22 is 1/128, etc. Thus, in this example, Selected
Airspeed = 268 Knots (256 + 8 + 4).
32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9
P

SSM

Data
0

Pad
0

SDI
0

1
LABEL
103

Figure 7. Example BNR Encoding

10

ARINC Protocol Tutorial

ARINC 429 Tutorial

ARINC 429 Data Types

This may appear to be more complex than it really is. The underlying
principle is conventional binary mathematics as performed by any modern
day computer. A computer programmer can shift the BNR data and sign
bits into a program variable and manipulate them directly with any
standard mathematical manipulation.

Mixed Formats
The 32-bit message words can also include discrete information, either
mixed with BCD or BNR data, or as separate messages. Unused bits in a
word may be assigned one bit per variable starting in Bit #11 until the data
field is reached. If there are no discretes encoded the word, the unused
positions are filled with zeros.

Discrete Data Formats

A large number of ARINC 429 words are dedicated entirely to discretes;
these are spelled out in Reference 3. Table 6 shows a word used to
transmit engine data.
Table 6. Dedicated Discrete Example

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Bit

Function

Label 005

Label 005

Label 005

Label 005

Label 005

Label 005

Label 005

Label 005

SDI

10

SDI

11

PAD

12

PAD

13

Failure to clear serial data interrupt

Fail

Pass

14

ARINC received fail

Fail

Pass

15

PROM checksum fail

Fail

Pass

16

User RAM fail

Fail

Pass

17

NV RAM address fail

Fail

Pass

18

NV RAM bit fail

Fail

Pass

19

RTC fail

Fail

Pass

X
X

11

Data Translation Method

ARINC 429 Tutorial

Bit

Function

20

Microprocessor fail

Fail

Pass

21

Battery low

Fail

Pass

22

NV RAM corrupt

Fail

Pass

23

Not used

24

Not used

25

Not used

26

Interrogate activated

27

Erase activated

Activated

Non-Act.

28

Bit activated

Activated

Non-Act.

29

SSM

Activated

Non-Act.

30

SSM

31

SSM

32

Parity (Odd)

Maintenance Data
ARINC 429 also provides for transmission and acknowledgment of
maintenance data and alphanumeric messages. These functions usually
involve exchanging a sequence of messages. Alphanumeric messages use
ISO Alphabet No. 5. These message types are being superseded by a bitoriented protocol, which is described later in the tutorial. If you need more
information, refer to the specification.

Data Translation Method

Each data item that can be transmitted is assigned a label code, and these
are listed in ARINC Specification. Examples of labels are shown in Table
7 for BCD and Table 8 for BNR.

12

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ARINC 429 Tutorial

Data Translation Method

Table 7. Examples of BCD Labels

Label
010

014

Equip ID
(hex) Parameter Name

Units

Range
Scale

Digits

Res.

Min. Tx
Rate
(Msec)

Max. Tx
Rate
(Msec)

002

Present Position - DegreesLatitude

Minutes

180N 180S

0.1

250

500

004

Present Position - Degrees

Latitude
Minutes

180N 180S

0.1

250

500

038

Present Position - Degrees

Latitude
Minutes

180N 180S

0.1

250

500

004

Magnetic Heading Degrees

0 -359.9

0.1

250

500

005

Magnetic Heading Degrees

0 -359.9

0.1

250

500

038

Magnetic Heading Degrees

0 -359.9

0.1

250

500

Table 8. Examples of BNR Labels

Label

Equip ID Parameter Name

(hex)

064

03C

102

Units

Range
(Scale)

Bits

Res.

Min. Tx
Rate
(Msec)

Max. Tx
Rate
(Msec)

Tire Pressure (nose) psia

1024

10

1.0

50

250

002

Selected Altitude

feet

65536

16

1.0

100

200

020

Selected Altitude

feet

65536

16

1.0

100

200

029

DC Current (Battery)

amps

256

1.0

100

200

0A1

Selected Altitude

feet

65536

16

1.0

100

200

Labels may be associated with more than one equipment type, and the
equipment IDs associated with the examples are shown in Table 9. Thus
BCD label 010 is always present latitude, but it can pertain to three
different sources, the Flight Management Computer, the Inertial Reference
System, or ADIRS. BCD label 014 is either Magnetic Heading from the
Inertial Reference System, Attitude and Heading Reference System, or
ADIRS.
Table 9. Equipment IDs for Tables 6 and 7

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Equipment ID (Hex)

Equipment Type

002

Flight Management Computer

004

Inertial Reference System

005

Attitude and Heading Reference System

020

DFS System

029

ADDCS and EICAS

038

ADIRS

03C

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

0A1

FCC Controller

13

Data Translation Method

ARINC 429 Tutorial

In Table 8 BNR label 064 is the nose tire pressure from the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System. BNR label 102 can be selected altitude or DC current
depending on the equipment ID. Table 7 and Table 8 also show the
parameters which identify the units of measure, the range or scale, the
significant digits (BCD) or bits (BNR), the positive sense of the quantity,
its resolution, maximum and minimum transit interval, and for some
labels, the maximum transport delay.
Typically, messages are sent repetitively. For example, measured airspeed
is transmitted from the sensor to the instrument at intervals not less than
100 milliseconds or greater than 200 milliseconds. Messages may also be
sent in repetitive word sequences or frames. Messages from each fuel tank
level sensor are sent in sequence, and then the sequence is repeated after a
specified time. The specific data source to which the data applies is
determined either by the Label or the SDI.
Table 10 shows label 241, which is transmitted approximately once per
second. The sequence shown starts with the left main tank followed by the
right and then center. Once the 63-word sequence is completed, it repeats,
starting over with word 1. Most of the data is in BNR format, but some
words are in BCD.
Table 10. Message Sequence for Label 241

14

Word

Signal

Units

Range

Sig.
Digits

Resolution

Data

Left Main Tank #1

pF

319.922

12

.078125

BNR

2-13

Left Main Tanks #1 to #13

pF

319.922

12

.078125

BNR

14

Left Main Tank #14

pF

319.922

12

.078125

BNR

15

Left Main Bite Cap. No. 1

pF

319.922

12

.078125

BNR

16

Left Main Compensator

pF

319.922

12

.078125

BNR

17

Load Select 10,000

Lb.

0-90000

10,000

BCD

18

Load Select 1,000

Lb.

0-9000

1,000

BCD

19

Load Select 100

Lb.

0-900

100

BCD

20

No Data Transmitted

21

Left Main Fuel Density

Lb./Gal

8,000

12

.000977

BNR

22-42

Repeat Words 1-21 for Right Tanks

43-53

Repeat Words 1-21 for Center Tanks

54-58

No Data Transmitted

59

Load Select 10,000

Lb.

0-90000

10,000

BCD

60

Load Select 1,000

Lb.

0-9000

1,000

BCD

61

Load Select 100

Lb.

0-900

100

BCD

62

No Data Transmitted

63

Center Tank Density

Lb./Gal

8,000

12

.000977

BNR

ARINC Protocol Tutorial

ARINC 429 Tutorial

Bit Oriented Protocols

Bit Oriented Protocols

The Williamsburg, or "bit oriented", Protocol is a system for transferring
files between ARINC units. It was originally defined in ARINC
Specification 429-12 and expanded in Specifications 429-13 and 14 and is
further defined in Reference 5. It is currently under revision. It should be
used in lieu of the former AIM, file transfer, and maintenance formats used
in Specification 429-11. Normal ARINC data messages can be intermixed
with the bit-oriented messages of the Williamsburg Protocol.
A start up procedure is used to determine the proper protocol for
transferring data. When a system element wants to use the bit-oriented
system it transmits a message using the latest version of which it is
capable. A handshaking process adjusts the protocol to the lowest
common denominator that both sending and receiving systems can use.
Currently, two versions of the Protocol are available. Version 1 is defined
in 429-12 and refined in 429-13. Version 2 is defined in 429-14 but was
never used. Reference 5 deletes Version 2 and it defines a new Version 3.
It redefines Version 1 to facilitate the communications of the ACARS
Management Unit (MU) and the Satellite Data Unit (SDU).
The source initiates communications by sending certain predefined codes.
If a bit-oriented transfer is desired, the initial code word will be an "ALO"
(for Aloha) signal to the potential recipient. The ALO word should be
sent by any system that supports the protocol just after the system powers
up, or performs a re-initialization for any reason. If any sink is capable of
receiving bit-oriented data it responds with an "ALR" code so that the
source knows that it can transmit to that unit. When a source wants to
transmit to a unit capable of handling the protocol, it sends a Request to
Send word (RTS), and waits to receive a Clear to Send (CTS). The RTS
includes a Destination Code and a Word Count, which are repeated in the
CTS for verification. If the CTS is correct, the source then initiates the file
transfer, following the sequence shown in Figure 8 for version 1. The
latter version provides the capability of sending a larger file (up to 7
LDUs), without needing to renew permission of the sink.
Files are transferred in blocks called Link Data Units (LDU) ranging in
size from 3 to 255 words. Following receipt of the CTS, the source
initiates a Version 1 transfer with a Start of Transmission word (SOT).
The SOT includes a file sequence number, a General Format Identifier
(GFI), and a LDU Sequence Number. The data words are then sent,
followed by the (up to) 255th word which is an End of Transmission
(EOT). Each LDU transfer (255 words or less) is terminated by an End of
Transmission Word (EOT). The EOT includes a CRC and identifies the
position of the LDU in the overall file transfer. The sink performs a
verification process on the EOT, and sends an Acknowledgment Word
(ACK) if all tests are passed. The source then sends another CTS, and the
process is repeated until the last LDU is acknowledged.

ARINC Protocol Tutorial

15

Bit Oriented Protocols

AIRLINE
SOURCE

ARINC 429 Tutorial

RTS WORD

AIRCRAFT
SINK

CTS WORD

<------

------->
------->

ORIGINAL
DATA FILE

SOT WORD

FIRST

DATA WORD

LDU

"

DATA WORD

254

EOT WORD

255

ACK WORD
-------->

<------

RTS WORD
CTS WORD

<-------

------->

SOT WORD

LAST

DATA WORD

LDU

DATA WORD

RECEIVED
DATA
FILE

EOT WORD

ACK WORD

Figure 8. File Transfer Scheme Version 1 (no Windows)

16

ARINC Protocol Tutorial

ARINC 429 Tutorial

Bit Oriented Protocols

Table 11. Systems Using Bit Oriented Communications and Their Address Labels
SYSTEM

SAL
(OCT)

SYSTEM

SAL
(OCT)

777 CABIN INTERPHONE SYSTEM

152

LOW SPEED DATA LINK (ARINC 603)

300

747 DFDR AND A330/340 SSFDR

163

FMC 1

300

DFDAU (Mandatory Load Functions)

170

FMC 2

301

SDU #2

173

DFDAU (AIDS)

302

RFU

174

CFDIU

303

HGA/HPA TOP/PORT

175

ACARS MU/CMU (724B, 748)

304

HGA/HPA STARBOARD

176

WBS

305

LGA/HPA

177

TCAS

306

GPS/GNSS SENSOR

201

SDU #1

307

MCDU 1

220

CABIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS UNIT

(CTU)

334

MCDU 2

221

HF DATA RADIO/DATA UNIT #1

340

MCDU 3

222

HF DATA RADIO/DATA UNIT #2

344

PRINTER 1

223

ACESS

360

PRINTER 2

224

EFIS

361

HIGH SPEED DL (ARINC 615)

226

ENGINE INDICATION UNIT

365

MCDU 4

230

CABIN TERMINAL 3

372

EIVMU 1

234

CABIN TERMINAL 4

373

EIVMU 2

235

CABIN TERMINAL 1

374

EIVMU 3

236

CABIN TERMINAL 2

375

EIVMU 4

237

OMEGA NAV. SYSTEMS

376

CABIN VIDEO SYSTEM (AIRSHOW)

266

ARINC Protocol Tutorial

17

CHAPTER

Other ARINC Protocols

ARINC 419
Reference 7, ARINC 419 Digital Data System Compendium, describes a
number of digital transmission system building blocks which where
available prior to 1984. It provides a synopsis of many protocols that
predate ARINC 429 such as ARINC 561, 582, 573 and 575.
The reference describes a number of digital transmission systems with
varying standards. Some systems used 32-bit words similar to ARINC
429; some used major frames of four subframes each consisting of 64, 12bit words. Still others used 32-bit, rather than 64-bit words. Some
message frames were 24 bits with three subframes of two BCD words.
Some systems did not provide information identifiers; others used 8-bit
label codes, and another depended on time slots for identifying
information. Identification of BCD vs. BNR was provided by a flag bit in
either the 1st bit or the 4th bit transmitted. A variety of standard data labels
were adopted.
Some electrical interconnections depended on one wire per bit; others used
the 6 wire system described above while others used a shielded 2 wire
twisted pair or a coaxial cable. Either two state, (HI LO), or three state (HI
NULL LO) were used. Voltage levels ranged from 18.5 to 10 for the high
state and from (less than) 5 to 1 for the null where used. Digital languages
included Gilham code (an example is the altitude encoder for the ATC
Transponder), a bit stream you determined in each individual case,
International Standards Organization (ISO) Alphabet #5, BCD, and BNR.
In some cases there was no error detection or correction, others used bit
parity or character parity, or block sequence check. Bit rate varied from
384 BPS to 12+ KBPS, and there were many other variations among
systems.
The variability of standards doesnt matter where a single user is
involved, but is very important when equipment from different suppliers
must interact with each other. Standardization is beneficial not only to the
aircraft integrator, but to the equipment supplier who can have greater

ARINC Protocol Tutorial

19

ARINC 453

Other ARINC Protocols

assurance of product acceptability so long as it is on spec. ARINC 429

is the most widely applied Digital Data Transmission specification for
modern transport aircraft. ARINC 429 draws on the experience of 419 but
does not depend on it.

ARINC 453
Not a formally released specification. See ARINC 708.

ARINC 561/568
The need for standardized digital data transmission arose during the
development of ARINC Characteristics 561, Air Transport Inertial
Navigation System. ARINC 568 uses the same electrical interface as
ARINC 561.
A six-wire system involving 3 pairs of wires, was used in 561. The three
pairs served as clock, sync, and data respectively. Non return to
zero (NRZ) was employed, and a twelve-volt logic level was transmitted
for a binary 1. The word length was 32 bits. Bits 32 and 31 contained the
SSM, and no parity bit was provided. The remaining fields included an 8bit label and 6 BCD fields, five of 4 bits and one of 2 bits. In 1967 the sixwire system was adopted as an industry standard.

Figure 9. ARINC 561 6-Wire Bit Encoding

ARINC 573
Other standards include ARINC 573, a Flight Data Recorder output
format. This device sends a continuous data stream of Harvard Bi-Phase
encoded 12 bit words which is encoded in frames. The data in a frame

20

ARINC Protocol Tutorial

Other ARINC Protocols

ARINC 575

consists of a snapshot of the many avionics subsystems on the aircraft.

Each frame contains the same data at a different snapshot in time.
Each frame is broken into four sub-frames. At the start of each sub-frame
is a unique sync word that is used by the receiver to synchronize with the
incoming data.

1 bit cell

5v

0v
1

Figure 10. Harvard Bi-phase Bit Encoding

ARINC 575
ARINC 575 is an older specification very similar to ARINC 429 but now
obsolete. It accommodated the Mark 3 Subsonic Air Data System (DADS)
with a single twisted pair of wires, which has become the standard in
ARINC 429. Electrically, ARINC 575 is generally compatible with low
speed ARINC 429. Some variants of 575 use a bit rate that is significantly
slower than ARINC 429 and are not electrically compatible. Also, in some
cases, ARINC 575 words use bit 32 as parity (as does ARINC 429); in
other cases bit 32 is used as data.

ARINC 582
This is an older specification that has many electrical permutations. There
are 6-wire versions (see ARINC 561), 2-wire versions (see ARINC 575) as
well as 16-bit, 2-wire versions.

ARINC 615
Special cases of ARINC 429 compliant systems also exist. ARINC 615
(See Reference 8) describes a high-speed data loader to transfer
information to and from on board digital systems. It is a software protocol

ARINC Protocol Tutorial

21

ARINC 629

Other ARINC Protocols

layered on top of an ARINC 429 physical layer. There are two versions of
the loader. PDL is a portable flight line piece of test equipment and ADL
is designed to fit in commercial aircraft instrument panels. Both
equipment are capable of reading and writing to 3 inch diskettes and
transferring data between the diskettes and a selected airborne computer.
The transfers can occur automatically, or via an ARINC 429 data bus.
Data can be either uploaded or downloaded as desired.

ARINC 629
Additional ARINC standards are being developed. ARINC 629 is used on
the new Boeing 777 Aircraft. It uses a high-speed bi-directional bus
capable of either periodic or aperiodic transmissions. Access to the bus is
controlled by a sophisticated protocol involving wait periods, quiet periods
and other rules. Further details can be found in Reference 9.

ARINC 708
This protocol is specific to airborne weather radar systems. It is used as
the output from the radar to the radar display. The bus uses 2-wires, is
simplex, Manchester encoded and runs at a one-megabit data rate. It was
originally based upon a simple derivative of MIL-STD-1553 technology.
The data words are 1600 bits long which is composed of one, 64-bit status
word and 512, 3-bit data words.

ARINC 717
ARINC 717 supercedes ARINC 573 and is used to perform the same
function. It adds a number of different bit rates and frame sizes. It also
provides for an alternate output data stream that is identical to the primary,
Harvard Bi-phase encoded stream, except that it is encoded in BPRZ
format (the same as ARINC 429).

22

ARINC Protocol Tutorial

APPENDIX

References
List of References

ARINC Protocol Tutorial

ARINC Web Site, http://www.arinc.com

ARINC Specification 429P1-15, September 1, 1995

ARINC Specification 429P2-15, March 6, 1996

Principles of Avionics Data Buses, Editorial Staff of Avionics,

Communications Inc., Leesburg, VA

AEEC Letter 97-013/WIL-03, January 24, 1996

ARINC Digital Data System Compendium, ARINC Report 419-3,

November 5, 1984

ARINC Airborne Computer Data Loader, ARINC Report 615-2, June

1, 1991

ARINC 629 P1-4 Multi-Transmitter Data Bus, Part1, Technical

Description, December, 1995

Aeronautical Radio, Inc., 2551 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD, 21401

Global Engineering Documents

23