AFDX & Aircraft Ethernet Testing
AFDX (Avionics Full-Duplex Switched Ethernet) is the deterministic aircraft data network defined in ARINC 664 Part 7; AFDX is an Airbus trademark [1]. Instead of free Ethernet traffic it uses Virtual Links with a fixed bandwidth allocation gap (BAG), dual-redundant networks, and sampling and queuing ports so that avionics applications get guaranteed latency [2][3]. AFDX test interfaces let integration labs, avionics developers and component shops simulate end systems and monitor traffic. Novatelia sources selected AFDX interfaces by RFQ for customers in Oman and qualified GCC projects.
Applications
- Simulating AFDX end systems while developing or integrating avionics [4][5].
- Monitoring and recording Virtual Link traffic on an integration rig [3].
- Bench testing of ARINC 664 LRUs in component shops [5].
Equipment types
- Carrier-based modules, e.g. Excalibur M8K664 for the 8000 family carriers [3].
- PCIe and XMC end-system cards, e.g. TTTech TTE End System A664 Lab [4].
- Dedicated AFDX test and simulation modules from AIM [5].
Technologies
- Virtual Links, sub-VLs and BAG traffic shaping [3].
- Sampling, queuing and SAP ports; the standard also covers IP/ICMP, UDP and optional TCP, TFTP and SNMP [2].
- Dual-redundant ports A and B [3].
- Some cards add SAE AS6802 time-triggered traffic alongside ARINC 664 Part 7 and IEEE 802.3 [4].
How to select equipment
- Form factor matching your test computer (PCIe, XMC or a carrier) [4][3].
- Simulation versus monitoring needs: number of ports and whether VL-based or sequential monitoring is required [3].
- Software and APIs supplied by the manufacturer [3].
- Extended temperature or conformal coating options where the rig needs them [3].
- Export-control and end-use checks are done per OEM channel before quotation.
Customer types
- Avionics integration and test labs
- Component maintenance shops working on ARINC 664 LRUs
- Engineering and training organisations
Good practice
- The physical layer is specified in ARINC 664 Part 2; check cabling and media with the test interface requirements [2].
- Tests on aircraft systems follow the aircraft and component maintenance manuals, not the interface manual.
Brands
Excalibur Systems
Excalibur Systems makes avionics databus interface and test products, including the M8K664 ARINC 664 Part 7 (AFDX) module for its 8000 family carriers…
AFDX & Aircraft Ethernet Testing
TTTech
TTTech develops deterministic Ethernet technology; its TTE End System A664 Lab card is a test and development interface for ARINC 664 Part 7 / AFDX and SAE AS6802 networks…
AFDX & Aircraft Ethernet Testing
AIM GmbH
AIM develops avionics databus test, simulation, monitoring and analysis modules and the PBA.pro analyzer software for MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, AFDX/ARINC 664P7, ARINC 825, Fibre Channel and other aircraft buses…
Aircraft Network & Data Bus TestingARINC 429 Test Equipment
Products
Excalibur SystemsAFDX & Aircraft Ethernet TestingRFQ
Excalibur M8K664 ARINC 664 (AFDX) Module
Model: M8K664
- Virtual Links, sub-VLs and BAG configuration
- Sampling, queuing and SAP ports
- Sequential and VL-based monitoring
- ExaltPlus software
Status: Request a quote · calibration certificate on request
TTTechAFDX & Aircraft Ethernet TestingRFQ
TTTech TTE End System A664 Lab
Model: TTE End System A664 Lab v2.0
- Up to 1 Gbit/s full duplex
- SAE AS6802, ARINC 664 Part 7 and IEEE 802.3 traffic
- PCIe and XMC variants
Status: Request a quote · calibration certificate on request
Oman & GCC support
For afdx & aircraft ethernet testing, Novatelia handles sourcing, quotation and delivery coordination from Muscat for Oman customers and on a project basis for other GCC countries; see Aviation supply in Oman. Novatelia does not claim local OEM service centres or civil aviation authority approvals.
Related aviation categories
Related guides
Frequently asked technical questions
Is AFDX the same as ARINC 664?
AFDX is Airbus's name for the network defined in ARINC 664 Part 7 [1].
What is a Virtual Link?
A logical unidirectional connection with a defined bandwidth allocation gap (BAG) that keeps traffic deterministic [3][2].
Can one card both simulate and monitor?
Excalibur states the M8K664 supports simulation with sampling, queuing and SAP ports and both sequential and VL-based monitoring [3].
Request a quote
Send part numbers, quantities, delivery location and any calibration or documentation requirements for afdx & aircraft ethernet testing. Quotes depend on manufacturer channel rules, export conditions and availability.
Add to RFQ – contact Novatelia or email [email protected]