3 SkyView HDX System Overview
A Skyview HDX System is an integrated Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) that
aggregates air, engine, traffic, and navigation information for display to the pilot. The information
is presented on a primary SkyView HDX display, which is an LCD touchscreen with mechanical
knobs and buttons. A primary SkyView HDX display always presents a Primary Flight Display
(PFD). It can also present a Moving Map and Engine Monitoring System (EMS) information.
Subsystems, such as an Autopilot system also access this data to perform their functions. A
SkyView HDX display also presents voice aural annunciations and text messages that alert the
pilot to exceptional conditions, such as departures from desired altitudes or exceeding engine
parameter limits.
When an optional secondary SkyView HDX display is installed, the Skyview HDX System is
referred to as Multi-functional Display (MFD) system. An MFD can present any combination of
PFD, Moving Map, or EMS information in various layouts on the display screen. An MFD can
also function as a backup display should the primary display fail.
Air data and airplane motion information is collected by the Air Data Attitude Heading Reference
System (ADAHRS) module. Engine, fuel, and electrical system information is collected by the
EMS module. Navigation information is provided by a GPS antenna/receiver, as well as
integrated third-party NAV devices. Traffic data is provided by an Automatic Dependent
Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) IN receiver. ADS-B OUT capability is provided by the NAV
source and a transponder. The GPS antenna/receiver, ADS-B IN receiver, and transponder
connect to the SkyView HDX System using RS-232 serial communications. All serial ports have
configurable baud rates and data formats for use as general-purpose inputs and outputs.
A SkyView HDX display communicates with SkyView HDX System components via a proprietary
network. The SkyView HDX Network is a modern, multidrop serial network. SkyView HDX
Network wiring is electrically common between all SkyView HDX System components.
Connections to the SkyView HDX Network are made with unique network cables, hubs, splitters,
and connectors on the components. SkyView HDX System components include the ADAHRS
module, remote magnetometer, EMS module, Aeronautical Radio Incorporated (ARINC) 429
module, Autopilot servos, and accompanying control panels and buttons.
See Figure 1 and Figure 2 for a graphical representation of a SkyView HDX System.