Digital data transmission techniques enable various elements within a system to communicate in an efficient manner. Multiplexing techniques permit this data to be transferred rapidly, accurately and reliably, without the constraints imposed by conventional wiring systems which employ heavy and costly cable runs and expensive connectors. In today’s cost conscious aviation world, both military and civil users are anxious to capitalise upon savings in cost and weight while gaining substantial benefits in terms of performance and reliability.

Smiths Industries has been involved for over a decade in the application of multiplexed data transmission systems. The military Tornado serial data transmission system and the civil ARINC data transmission systems are areas where specific expertise has been established. More recently the weapon systems unit of the company’s Cheltenham Division together with Micro Circuit Engineering, an SI subsidiary, has established a world lead in the development and the application of the widely accepted data bus standard, MIL-STD-1553B.