Standardization of Avionics Technology Solves Compatibility, Cost Issues

The growing demand for advanced avionic test systems has challenged test vendors in the automatic test equipment (ATE) market. In a bid to align their legacy systems with upcoming technologies in the line replaceable units (LRU) space, most vendors are trying to develop newer test program sets (TPS) that are also compatible with older systems.

Further, with both the commercial and military sectors increasing budgets for upgrading their avionic systems, vendors feel that their investments are worth the effort.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, World Avionics ATE Market, reveals that revenue in this industry was estimated at $1.01 billion in 2003 and is projected to grow to $1.69 billion in 2010.

However, while considering the installation of a new TPS, it is essential to balance its developmental cost against the cost and lifecycle of the particular module to be tested.

"The lifecycle of avionics has been on the decline, and some vendors are of the opinion that the utility of the TPS might not justify the investment made on it," notes Frost & Sullivan research analyst Karthik Rajamani. "If the avionics device is cheap enough to warrant quick replacement, there is no financial sense in installing an expensive TPS."

Vendors, therefore, have immediate need for a TPS that can test avionics modules quickly and cost effectively. This is further emphasized by the avionics industry's continued accommodation of cheaper and more easily replaceable avionic devices.

A possible solution lies in the standardization of technology. Large prime manufacturers test their LRUs with in-house systems. These manufacturers' dominance in the market makes them prime leaders, and any technology adopted by them is soon likely to be adopted as the industry standard.

"While it could initially seem threatening, this gradual move toward standardization is likely to reduce the acquisition costs of end users and impact the market positively in the long term," predicts Rajamani.

Further, standardization is expected to aid avionics ATE vendors and their end users as they continue to grapple with compatibility issues and high acquisition costs.

The rising need among end users such as airlines and maintenance repair and overhauls (MROs) for a common test platform that is capable of catering to proprietary avionics of different aircraft manufacturers also necessitates standardization measures.

Further, since the cost of TPS forms a significant portion of the total ATE cost, end users are now stressing the need to reduce any incremental costs that might be incurred due to the development of a new TPS. A series of initiatives has already been successfully undertaken.

"It is not possible to develop a TPS for every new product being tested," says Rajamani. "It is, therefore, essential that vendors develop a common test platform that can be used across a variety of avionics modules and is compatible with both new and old ATE systems."

World Avionics ATE Market, part of the Manufacturing Test and ATE Subscription, assesses the current and future prospects of the military and commercial avionics ATE market. It critically evaluates the performance of leading participants in terms of unit shipment and provides comprehensive insight into the drivers and restraints affecting the market. Additionally, it outlines strategies that are likely to assist participants in positioning themselves. Executive summaries and interviews are available to the press.

FMI: www.frost.com