SUPERIOR UNIVERSITY LAHORE

Department of Avionics Engineering & Aviation Technology

Bachelors of Science in Avionics Engineering

FINAL YEAR PROJECT REPORT

2015-2019

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN AVIONICS ENGINEERING

A PROJECT FOR PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN AVIONICS

ENGINEERING DEGREE ON

Air Data Acquisition Using COTS

Hardware And Software
Supervisor: Full Name
Supervisor Asst. Prof. Wajih H. Hashmi
Co-Supervisor Engr. Ahmed Javaid

Students: Full Name

Name Roll No.
Tahir Yasin BAEM- F15-024
Umar Farooq BAEM- F15-016
Talha Arslan BAEM- F15-021
Shahzaib Sultan BAEM- F15-004
 DEDICATION

TO
OUR LOVING PARENTS
(Having no Substitute, always there where there is no one else)

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 Approval
The Department of Avionics Engineering and Aviation Technology of Superior college Lahore has
approved this final year project. It is certified that the research work titled, Air Data Acquisition
Using COTS Hardware and Software, is submitted in the partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of Bachelor in Avionics Engineering (BAE).

Project Supervisor:

Supervisor Name: Asst. Prof. Wajih H. Hashmi

Co-Supervisor Name: Engr Ahmed Javaid

Organization: Superior University Lahore

Designation: Professor

Email (official): wajih.hashmi@superior.edu.pk

Contact: 0323 5417272

Supervisor’s Consent:

I am willing to guide these students in all phases of above mentioned project as advisor. I have
carefully seen the Title and description of the project and believe that it is of an appropriate
difficulty level for the number of students named above.

Supervisor Signature

-------------------------------------

Co-Supervisor Signature

---------------------------------------------

Academic Year 2019

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 Undertaking
I certify that research/project work titled “Air Data Acquisition Using COTS Hardware and
Software” is our own work. The work has not, in whole or in part, been presented elsewhere for
assessment, where material has been used from other sources it has been properly
acknowledged/ referred.

Name Registration Number Signature of Student

Tahir Yasin BAEM- F15-024

Umar Farooq BAEM- F15-016

Talha Arslan BAEM- F15-021

Shahzaib Sultan BAEM- F15-004

Date: ____________

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 Acknowledgements
In the name of Allah, the most Gracious and the most Merciful Alhamdulillah, all praises to Allah for
the strengths and His blessing in completing this project. We would like to take this opportunity to
thank all who helped us through this project and our years of study at The Superior College, Lahore,
especially the following.
First and foremost, we sincerely thank our teacher, Mr. Wajih H. Hashmi for his invaluable
guidance, inspiration and discussions through all stages of this project. Words alone cannot express
how important his encouragement and support were during the whole period. Working with him has
been a true privilege and a great experience for us.

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 Abstract
Air Data Computer (ADC) is an electronics device which acquire and process data from pitot and
static pressure sensors, data buses and analog inputs to computes air data parameters. The
objective of this research is to acquire, analyze and display air data on multi-function display
using COTS components and Graphic User Interface (GUI). The electrical Transducers like
temperature sensor, pressure sensor, gyro sensor is interfaced with DAQ card which are analyzed
by LabVIEW software. The systematic error is the main limitations of Air Data System in earlier
type of aircraft and Havier weight due to pneumatics. Further challenges are faced in modern
type of aircraft, to use the Data Buses which take extra cost and time during the manufacturing.
To overcome these types of limitation we invent the new Air Data System by using RS232 and
low-cost National Instrument (NI) device. And we find the Indicated airspeed, True airspeed,
Mach Number, Altitude, total air temperature and other important parameters i.e. pitch, roll and
yaw movement. This type data acquisition is useful in industry where real time data are required
to compute pressure and temperature.

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Table of Contents
APPROVAL............................................................................................................................. II

UNDERTAKING ..................................................................................................................... III

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ......................................................................................................... IV

ABSTRACT ............................................................................................................................. V

CHAPTER 01 .......................................................................................................................... 1

1. LITERATURE REVIEW: ............................................................................................................................................1

1.1. Introduction ...........................................................................................................................................1
1.1.1. 1st Generation Aircraft...................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1.1.1. Working principle of 1st generation aircrafts pitot tube system. ............................................................ 2
1.1.1.2. Altimeter ................................................................................................................................................. 3
1.1.1.3. Airspeed indicator .................................................................................................................................. 3
1.1.2. 2nd Generation Aircraft ...................................................................................................................................... 4
1.1.2.1. Working principle of 2nd generation aircrafts pitot tube system ............................................................ 4
1.1.2.2. Transducer .............................................................................................................................................. 5
1.1.2.3. Digital display.......................................................................................................................................... 6
1.1.3. 3rd Generation Aircraft ...................................................................................................................................... 6
1.1.3.1. Working of 3rd generation aircraft pitot-static system ........................................................................... 6
1.1.3.2. Multifunction Display (MFD)................................................................................................................... 7
1.1.3.3. Working of Air Data Computer ............................................................................................................... 7
1.1.4. Limitations of Old Generation Aircraft .............................................................................................................. 8
1.1.4.1. Bending of pneumatics ........................................................................................................................... 8
1.1.4.2. Maximum weight .................................................................................................................................... 8
1.1.4.3. Maximum error....................................................................................................................................... 9
1.1.4.4. Systematic error occurrence ................................................................................................................... 9
1.1.4.5. Expansive ................................................................................................................................................ 9

CHAPTER 02 ........................................................................................................................ 10

2. PROJECT HARDWARE DEVELOPMENT ......................................................................................................................10

2.1. Introduction to project hardware development ..................................................................................10
2.1.1. DAQ Device ..................................................................................................................................................... 10
2.1.1.1. NI USB 6009 specifications ................................................................................................................... 11

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 2.1.1.2. Pinout and signal descriptions .............................................................................................................. 12
2.1.2. Pressure transducer ........................................................................................................................................ 13
2.1.3. Temperature Sensor........................................................................................................................................ 14
2.1.4. Gyro Sensor ..................................................................................................................................................... 15
2.1.5. Humidity Sensor .............................................................................................................................................. 15
2.1.6. IR Remote ........................................................................................................................................................ 16
2.1.7. Photodiode ...................................................................................................................................................... 16
2.1.8. Microcontroller ............................................................................................................................................... 17
2.1.8.1. SPECIFICATIONS OF ARDUINO UNO ........................................................................................................... 18
2.1.9. Miscellaneous components............................................................................................................................. 19

CHAPTER 03 ........................................................................................................................ 20

3. CALCULATIONS...................................................................................................................................................20
3.1. Altitude ................................................................................................................................................20
3.2. Airspeed ...............................................................................................................................................21
3.3. Mach number.......................................................................................................................................22
3.4. Outside Air Temperature .....................................................................................................................23
3.5. Total Air Pressure ........................................................................................................................................25

CHAPTER 04 ........................................................................................................................ 27

4. METHODOLOGY AND RESULTS ..............................................................................................................................27

4.1. Block Diagram ......................................................................................................................................27
4.2. Working of our project .........................................................................................................................27
4.2.1. Signal conditioning .......................................................................................................................................... 28
4.3. LabVIEW Environment .........................................................................................................................28
4.3.1. Graphical programming .................................................................................................................................. 29
4.3.2. LabVIEW Block Diagram .................................................................................................................................. 29
4.4. Final Results .........................................................................................................................................30
4.5. Additional working ......................................................................................................................................31
4.5.1. Student scope ....................................................................................................................................................... 31
4.5.1.1. LabVIEW results ............................................................................................................................................ 32
4.5.2. IR Remote Control ................................................................................................................................................. 33
4.5.2.1. LabVIEW Block diagram ................................................................................................................................ 33
4.5.2.2. Final Results .................................................................................................................................................. 34
4.5.3. Humidity................................................................................................................................................................ 34
4.5.4. Gyro Sensor ........................................................................................................................................................... 35
4.5.4.1. LabVIEW block diagram ................................................................................................................................ 35

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CHAPTER 05 ........................................................................................................................ 36

5. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS .................................................................................................................36

5.1. Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................36
5.2. Recommendations ...............................................................................................................................36

CHAPTER 6 .......................................................................................................................... 37

6. REFERENCES ......................................................................................................................................................37

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List of Figures
Figure 1-1. Photo of pitot tube working ......................................................................................... 2
Figure 1-2. Photo of pitot tube working. ........................................................................................ 2
Figure 1-3. Photo of Altimeter working. ......................................................................................... 3
Figure 1-4. Photo of airspeed indicator working. ........................................................................... 4
Figure 1-5. Photo of pitot static probe working. ............................................................................ 5
Figure 1-6. Photo of pitot static system in 2nd generation of aircraft. ........................................... 5
Figure 1-7. Photo of typical air data system. .................................................................................. 7
Figure 1-8. Photo of air data computer working. ........................................................................... 8
Figure 2-1. Photo of DAQ device interfacing. ............................................................................... 11
Figure 2-2. Photo of NI USB-6008/6009 Pinouts. ......................................................................... 12
Figure 2-3. Photo of pressure transducer. .................................................................................... 14
Figure 2-4. Photo of temperature transducer. ............................................................................. 14
Figure 2-5. Photo of gyro sensor................................................................................................... 15
Figure 2-6. Photo of humidity sensor. .......................................................................................... 16
Figure 2-7. Photo of IR remote. .................................................................................................... 16
Figure 2-8. Photo of photo diode.................................................................................................. 17
Figure 2-9. Photo of Microcontroller. ........................................................................................... 18
Figure 3-1. Graph between Altitude vs Pressure. ......................................................................... 21
Figure 3-2. Graph between Mach No. vs Airspeed. ...................................................................... 23
Figure 3-3. Graph between Altitude vs Temperature................................................................... 24
Figure 3-4. Graph between Voltages vs Pressure. ........................................................................ 26
Figure 4-1. Photo of block diagram of whole air data system working. ....................................... 27
Figure 4-2. Photo of circuit diagram for temperature transducer. .............................................. 28
Figure 4-3. Photo of LabVIEW icon. .............................................................................................. 29
Figure 4-4. Photo of LabVIEW block diagram. .............................................................................. 30
Figure 4-5. Photo of final results on MFD. .................................................................................... 31
Figure 4-6. Photo of student scope block diagram. ...................................................................... 32

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Figure 4-7. Photo of student scope LabVIEW result. .................................................................... 32
Figure 4-8. Photo of circuit of IR remote control.......................................................................... 33
Figure 4-9. Photo of LabVIEW diagram of IR remote control. ...................................................... 33
Figure 4-10. Photo of final result of IR signal response. ............................................................... 34
Figure 4-11. Photo of block diagram of Humidity sensor. ............................................................ 34
Figure 4-12. Photo of LabVIEW block diagram for gyro sensor. ................................................... 35

x
List of abbreviation
A/D – Analog/Digital
AC – Alternate Current
ADS—Air Data System
ADC – Air Data Computer
ALT – Altitude indicator
TAT-Total Air Temperature
Ps—Static Pressure
Pt—Dynamic Pressure
AOA – Angle of Attack
ASI – Airspeed Indicator
TAS—True Air Speed
ATM – Air Traffic Management
COM – Communication
DC – Direct Current
EFIS – Electronic Flight Instrument System
GNSS – Global Navigation Satellite System
GPS – Global Positioning System
ILS – Instrument Landing System
MFD – multi-function display
NAV – Navigation
OAT – Outside Air Temperature
PFD – Primary Flight Display
V – Volts
VHF – Very High Frequency
VOR – VHF Omnidirectional Range

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 Chapter 01
1. Literature Review:
1.1. Introduction
Air data system takes the measurement of air data parameters and give that measurement to
other systems of the aircraft. The parameters are such as Airspeed, Altitude, Outside Air
Temperature, and Mack number and other system are Flight Management System (FMS),
transponders and Multi-Function Display (MFD) etc. Air data system of old generation aircraft is
mechanical type based on the pressure difference. As the pressure difference changes the air
data system parameter changes directly or inversely. As the generations of the aircraft changes
the air data system improved with the time [1].

1.1.1. 1st Generation Aircraft

Air data system of 1st generation aircraft consists of different components:
• Pitot tube
• Static port
• Pneumatics
• Gauge
• Analog display
Pitot tube and static port working is same and the whole system is called pitot static system. Pitot
tube is used to find the aircraft speed and while counter part of pitot tube is static port. static
port is used for finding altitude and vertical speed shown on altimeter and vertical speed
indicator respectively. These systems tell us how fast the air is flowing and how fast climb and
decent rate these systems are measuring through the atmosphere.
At we start the working of pitot static system first we should know the air molecule on the surface
level are more compacted together then molecule in space, this is due to gravity so the pressure
is decreased as we move up so that we can find altitude and vertical speed. The basic figure of
earlier pitot-static tube working is shown in figure 1-1.

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 Figure 1-1. Photo of pitot tube working

1.1.1.1. Working principle of 1st generation aircrafts pitot tube system.

The pitot tube is located at the inside of the wing of aircraft or near the nose of the aircraft and
the static port is located at the fuselage both side that is connected with the pitot static
instruments through pneumatics (a hollow pipe in which air or fluid can travel) shown in figure1-
2. Each pitot static instrument is connected to static port while pitot tube is connected only to
airspeed indicator forming a mechanical linkage. As the ram air pressure flows through the pitot
tube the needle of airspeed Indicator moves due to the force applied by the ram air pressure. As
the air pressure increases the needle of airspeed indicator instrument moves more relatively.

Figure 1-2. Photo of pitot tube working.

2
1.1.1.2. Altimeter
Our most basic pitot static instrument is altimeter it explains the aircraft altitude. As shown in
fig.1-3 the instrument contains elevate aneroid wafers which expand and contracts on base of
pressure of the air inside the wafers is trapped but the air outside the wafers free and able to
match the pressure according to the static port. As we increase altitude the static pressure goes
down. The speed inside escape up back and results the less air pressure in case compare to the
wafers because of this wafers expand pressure of both equal and wafers is connected to the gear
or mechanical linkages and shows dials high pressure now if aircraft start decent the atmospheric
pressure increases as compared to the pressure inside the wafers and bellows start squeezing
that shows decreases the altitude [3].

Figure 1-3. Photo of Altimeter working.

1.1.1.3. Airspeed indicator

Airspeed indicator is only pitot static instrument that take inputs from both pitot tube and static
port. As shown in fig.1-4 the pitot tube uses to find the ram air pressure, the aircraft travel greater
as the ram air pressure increases. As air goes to the diaphragm through pitot tube more the air
pressure inside the diaphragm start expand so the diaphragm expand the airspeed should
increase then through the mechanical linkage the appropriate air speed shown on instrument
and static port is used to fill the air around the diaphragm through that dynamic pressure read

3
on the instrument [3].

Figure 1-4. Photo of airspeed indicator working.

1.1.2. 2nd Generation Aircraft

The air data system of 2nd generation aircraft is same as 1st generation aircraft but there are some
modifications in 2nd generation aircraft.
The main component of 2nd generation air craft are following.
• Pitot static tube
• Probe
• pneumatics
• Electrical transducer
• Analog and Digital display (PFD)
1.1.2.1. Working principle of 2nd generation aircrafts pitot tube system
In 2nd generation aircraft we use only one tube which is uses for both pitot pressure and static
pressure is called pitot static tube as shown in fig. 1-5.

4
 Figure 1-5. Photo of pitot static probe working.

The fig1-.6 shows that Pt. is the total pressure and Ps is the static pressure [2]. Same as the 1st
generation the static part is connected to all pitot static instrument through pneumatics.
Air speed is displayed through both Pt. and Ps. The deflection of bellow is proportional to the
difference between total pressure and static pressure. Altimeter uses only the static pressure the
deflection of bellow is direct proportional to the static pressure.

Figure 1-6. Photo of pitot static system in 2nd generation of aircraft.

As shown in fig.1-6 there are both analog and digital display in 2nd generation aircraft.

1.1.2.2. Transducer
2nd generation aircraft has electrical transducer which convert the analog signal into digital signal.
The digital signal is then processed for the required parameters and these parameters are

5
displayed digitally on Primary Function Display (PFD).

1.1.2.3. Digital display

There is also a digital display in 2nd generation aircraft called PFD. The primary flight displays the
air parameters such as airspeed, altitude and Mack number in digital form.

1.1.3. 3rd Generation Aircraft

The air data system of that generation aircraft is modified and all analog instruments replaced
with digital instruments. The main parts of that generation aircraft are following:
• Pitot static probe
• Electrical transducer
• Air Data computer
• Data Buses
• Digital Display (MFD)
• Glass cockpit

1.1.3.1. Working of 3rd generation aircraft pitot-static system

There is also a pitot static probe which take the pressure in analog form. The electrical transducer
such as pressure sensor and temperature sensor take analog input from atmosphere and convert
that input in electrical form and give it to air data computer. Air data computer convert that
analog input into digital form and apply different mathematical operation on that output and
gives true airspeed, altitude, indicated airspeed and Mach number. A typical Air Data computer
is shown in fig.1-7.

6
 Figure 1-7. Photo of typical air data system.

1.1.3.2. Multifunction Display (MFD)

A multifunction display is small screen which is surrounded by multiple soft keys that can be used
to display information to the user i.e. the information such as roll and pitch movement, true
airspeed, vertical airspeed, altitude, outside air temperature and Mach number [3].

1.1.3.3. Working of Air Data Computer

In the working of air data first the system takes pitot pressure from capsule A and take static
pressure from capsule B then the shaft is moving due to the pressure of the capsules due to that
rotation an EMF produces that EMF take produces current the current in very less amount the
we use amplifier and amplify the current that current is given to the 2-phase servo motor that
servo motor give the output in digital form. Fig.1-8 shows all the working process of air data
computer [3].

7
 Figure 1-8. Photo of air data computer working.

1.1.4. Limitations of Old Generation Aircraft

As the new technology invented aircraft industry modified their aircraft with new technology. No
doubt 3rd generation aircrafts are far better air data system then 1st and 2nd generation aircrafts
but there are some flaws and limitations in all of 3 generations of aircrafts. Some limitations are
listed as follows:
• Bending the pneumatics due to ice.
• Maximum weight due to pneumatics.
• Maximum error due to analog display (old Aircraft).
• Systematic error occurs.
• Expensive due to replace the transducer and pneumatics
1.1.4.1. Bending of pneumatics
Pneumatics are the hollow pipes which are uses for transformation of fuel, air from surroundings
and other fluid. When aircraft fly on certain height the outside air temperature is varying with
height the pneumatics bend due to low outside air temperature.

1.1.4.2. Maximum weight

In old generation aircraft pneumatics are used and due to the pneumatics aircraft weight
increases and that is the biggest flaw of an aircraft. The weight of the aircraft is the main

8
parameter which is to be minimized as possible while designing an aircraft, so we reduce the
weight by using Data busses in our project instead of pneumatics.

1.1.4.3. Maximum error

In old generation aircraft there are maximum error because of using analog display for air data
parameters. Analog display does not give the accurate values of air parameters.

1.1.4.4. Systematic error occurrence

Analog instruments have more system error then digital instruments because in analog
instruments due to atmospheric effect our gauge needle bend and does not give the accurate
value that cause systemic error.

1.1.4.5. Expansive
Air data system of old generation aircraft is expansive due to usage of expansive pneumatics and
transducers but now we use only data buses in our project to reduce the cost of air data system.

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 Chapter 02
2. Project hardware development
2.1. Introduction to project hardware development
This chapter explains hardware used in the prototype model of the project. It describes each
component used in project, its application and features. In this chapter, it is also defined how
Arduino Uno is interfaced with LabVIEW software by using DAQ Device. Before build this project,
firstly we understand about the COTS components which uses in the new Air Data System. List of
COTS components required for this project are as follows:
• DAQ Device.
• Pressure Transducer.
• Temperature Sensor.
• Gyro Sensor.
• Humidity Sensor.
• IR Remote.
• Photodiode.
• Microcontroller.
• Miscellaneous components.

2.1.1. DAQ Device

The USB-6009 is a low-cost, multifunction DAQ device uses for NI hardware and Software.
Basically, DAQ Device take the Analogue input from the electrical transducer and convert it into
the Digital signal at output, this signal analyzed by LabVIEW software to performed their
functions. It provides analog I/O, digital I/O, and a 32-bit counter. The Basic photo of the DAQ
Device is shown in figure 2-1 [6].

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 Figure 2-1. Photo of DAQ device interfacing.

The USB-6009 provides basic functionality for applications such as simple data logging, portable
measurements, and academic lab experiments. The DAQ device has a lightweight mechanical
enclosure and is bus powered for easy portability. We easily connect sensors and signals to the
USB-6009 with screw-terminal connectivity. The NI DAQ device has 8 Analogue inputs (48 KS/s),
2 Analogue output also 13 Digital input/output.
2.1.1.1.1. NI USB 6009 specifications
NI USB-6009 is a modest and low-cost multifunction I/O device from National Instruments.
The stipulations of NI USB 6009 are shown in the Table 2.1.

Sr. No Microcontroller ATmega328p

1 Operating Voltage 5V
2 Input Voltage (recommended) 10V
3 Output Voltage 0 To 5V
4 Output impedance 50 ohm
5 Output current drive 5 mA
6 Short Circuit Current 50 mA
7 Digital I/O Pins 14
8 Analog Input Pins 8

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 9 Analog Output Pins 2
10 Connection Type USB 2.0
11 Flash Memory 32 KB of which 0.5 KB used by boot loader
12 SRAM 2 KB
13 EEPROM 1 KB
14 Clock Speed 16 MHz
15 Weight 3 oz.
16 Counter 5 MHz
Table 2-1. Specification of NI USB 6009

2.1.1.2. Pinout and signal descriptions

The subsequent figure2-2 displays the pinout of the NI USB-6008/6009. Analog input signal terms
are listed as single-ended analog input name, AI x, and formerly differential analog input name,
(AI x+/-). Mention to given table for a complete explanation of each signal.

Figure 2-2. Photo of NI USB-6008/6009 Pinouts.

Below is table which define all the description of signal. Like name, nature, behavior, Use and
operation.
Signal Name Reference Direction Description

12
 GND ------------- ----------- Ground—The reference point for the single-ended
analog input measurements, analog output
voltages,
digital signals, +5 VDC supply, and +2.5 VDC at
the I/O connector, and the bias current return
point
for differential mode measurements

AI<0…7> Varies Input Analog Input Channels 0 to 7—single-ended

measurements, each signal is an analog input
voltage channel. The
following signal pairs also form differential input
channels: AI <1, 5>, AI <2, 6>, and AI <3, 7>.

A0<0,1> GND Output Analog Output Channels 0 and 1—Supplies the

voltage output of AO channel 0 or AO channel 1.

P0. <0.7> GND Input or Output Port 0 Digital I/O Channels 0 to 7—You can
individually configure each signal as an input or
output.
Table 2-2. Signal Descriptions.

2.1.2. Pressure transducer

The pressure transducer (MPX4250) is a piezo-resistive transducer designed for wide range of
applications for measuring the pressure and compatible with the NI DAQ device. This transducer
provides advanced micromachining techniques, thin film metallization, and bipolar processing to
provide an accurate output value. It has high-level analog output signal that is proportional to
the applied pressure. The technical specifications of this pressure transducer are defining as:
• Range is 0-250Kpa.
• Accuracy is 18.8 mv/Kpa.
• Sensitivity is ±1.4%.
• Response time Tr is 1ms.

13
We use three pins of such transducer in such way that, the pin1 is Vout, pin2 is GND and pin3 is
Vcc. The purpose of this sensor to provide the Total air pressure to calculate the Air Data
parameters. The basic figure of the pressure transducer is shown in figure 2-3 [7].

Figure 2-3. Photo of pressure transducer.

2.1.3. Temperature Sensor

The principle operation of the two-wire temperature sensor is to measure the resistance of
a platinum element. The most common type (PT100) has a resistance of 100 Ω at 0 °C and 138.4Ω
at100 °C. It provides excellent accuracy over a wide temperature range (from –200 to +850 °C).
The relationship between temperature and resistance is approximately linear over a small
temperature range: for example, if you assume that it is linear over the 0 to 100 °C range, the
error at 50 °C is 0.4 °C. For precision measurement, it is necessary to linearize the resistance to
give an accurate temperature. The purpose of this Sensor to provide the Outside temperature of
the Aircraft. The basic figure of the temperature sensor is shown in figure2-3 [8].

Figure 2-4. Photo of temperature transducer.

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 2.1.4. Gyro Sensor
The Gyro Sensor (MPU-6050) is Micro Mechanical system, basically it has 3-axis Accelerometer
and 3-axis Gyroscope for measuring the acceleration, velocity, orientation, displacement and
many other motions related parameter of a system or object. It also controls and detect the 3-D
motion of different object. The operating range of Gyro sensor is 3 to 5Vdc and has inside the
Chip built-in 16bit AD converter, 16bit data output. The Gyroscopes range: +/- 250 500 1000 2000
degree/sec. The purpose of this sensor to provide the pitch, roll and Angle of attack like Aircraft.
The Basic figure of the Gyro sensor is shown in figure2-5.

Figure 2-5. Photo of gyro sensor.

2.1.5. Humidity Sensor

Humidity sensor (DHT11) is an ultra-low-cost digital humidity sensor. It is normally using to find
the relative humidity of surrounding air, means if air has 50% relative humidity it means that air
has 50% of water vapors. The technical specifications of humidity sensor are following as
• Operating voltages 3 to 5V.
• 2.5mA max current use during conversion (while requesting data).
• Good for 20-80% humidity readings with 5% accuracy.
• Sampling rate is 1 Hz/s.

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 • Body size 15.5mm x 12mm x 5.5mm.
• Response time is 6 sec.
The main purpose for use this sensor in our project to find the relative humidity inside the cockpit.
The basic figure of the humidity sensor is shown in figure2-6.

Figure 2-6. Photo of humidity sensor.

2.1.6. IR Remote
IR remote transmit the infrared signal to the receiver side for operating their function from few
distance. It generates the IR pulses at the rate of 0.1mm to 0.8um wavelength. The IR signal has
frequency of 34khz to transmit the IR signal. The basic figure of the IR remote is shown in figure2-
7 [9].

Figure 2-7. Photo of IR remote.

2.1.7. Photodiode
The photodiode also called the photodetector is the type of semi-conductor which convert IR

16
signal into the electrical signal. When IR signal strike on the photodiode the photons generate
the electrons and holes, electrons goes to the cathode side and holes goes to the anode side
which produced the voltage at the output side. Basically, the photodiode behaves as the reverse
biased, in reverse biased the diode is open circuits which contains maximum value of the voltage.
The basic figure of the photodiode is shown in figure2-8 [9].

Figure 2-8. Photo of photo diode.

2.1.8. Microcontroller
Arduino is an open source hardware. It has single broad microcontroller kit. The broad has the
set on digital and analogue inputs and outputs pins that interfaced various broad and electrical
circuits also provide 14 digital I/O pins, six of which can produce pulse-width modulated signals,
and 6 analog inputs, which can also be used as six digital I/O pins. The serial communication take
place including the Universal Serial Bus (USB) which were used for loading the code from the PC.
The operating voltages are 5v and has 16Mhz crystal oscillator. The Arduino board is connected
to a computer via USB, where it connects with the Arduino development environment (IDE). The
user writes the Arduino code in the IDE, then uploads it to the microcontroller which executes
the code, interacting with inputs and outputs such as sensors. The basic picture of the
Microcontroller is shown in figure2-9.

17
 Figure 2-9. Photo of Microcontroller.

2.1.8.1. SPECIFICATIONS OF ARDUINO UNO

The specification of Arduino Uno is shown in the Table 2-4.

Sr. No Microcontroller ATmega328p

1 Operating Voltage 5V
2 Input Voltage 7-12V
(recommended)
3 Digital I/O Pins 14 (of which 6 provide PWM output)
4 PWM Digital I/O Pins 6
5 Analog Input Pins 5
6 DC Current per I/O Pin 20 mA
7 DC Current for 3.3V Pin 50 mA
8 Flash Memory 32 KB of which 0.5 KB used by boot loader
9 SRAM 2 KB
10 EEPROM 1 KB
11 Clock Speed 16 MHz
12 Weight 25 g
Table 2-3. Specifications of Arduino UNO.

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 2.1.9. Miscellaneous components
Miscellaneous Components are those components which are used to join the all COTS
components such as Vero broad, jumper wire, resistor, capacitor, RS232 and VJ-cable. These All
components are use in Air Data system projects to perform their functions.

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 Chapter 03
3. Calculations
In this section we discuss about the calculated and measured value, and how to get the Air Data
parameters value from the equations.

3.1. Altitude
By using the Barometric formula, we calculate that how pressure of the air change with altitude.
The equation 1 is general form of the formula put the different value of the atmospheric pressure
to get the different value of the height [4].
Z= 𝟒𝟒𝟑𝟑𝟎. 𝟖 − 𝟒𝟗𝟒𝟔. 𝟔𝟐 × 𝒑𝟎.𝟏𝟗𝟎𝟐𝟔𝟑 ___________________________ (1)
Putting different value of pressure to get Altitude
Where,
Z = Altitude
P = atmospheric pressure
The table no.3-1 shows the relation of the Atmospheric pressure with height. The comparison of
the calculated value and measured value will show the below table.
Atmospheric Pressure (psi) Calculated Altitude(feet) Measured Altitude(feet)

14.76 0 0.0
14.25 1000 999.98

13.76 2000 2000.13

13.20 3000 3000.21

12.23 5000 499.91

10.15 10000 10000.19
8.29 15000 1498.89
Table 3-1. Comparison of calculated and measured value of altitude at different atmospheric pressure.

The graphical representation of the Atmospheric pressure and the Altitude shown below. The
relation between Altitude and the pressure is inversely, as height of the aircraft increase the
pressure will be decreases. For example:
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 1) At 1000 feet altitude, pressure is 14.234
2) At 5000 feet altitude, pressure is 12.2321
The graph between Altitude and Atmospheric pressure shown as

Altitude vs pressure
20000
15000
15000
10000
Altitude

10000
5000
5000 3000
0 1000.01
0
14.7 14.234 13.201 12.231 10.156 8.29
Pressure
Altitude
Figure 3-1. Graph between Altitude vs Pressure.

3.2. Airspeed
Airspeed is the speed of the aircraft relative to the sounding air. The measurement of the
Airspeed has been done by using the pitot-static tube. The Airspeed of an Aircraft increase as
Altitude of an Aircraft increase because of the air density decrease with higher altitude [5].
Airspeed is calculated as a function of the difference between Pitot Pressure and Static Pressure
as follows in equation 2.
𝒒𝒄
𝒗 = 𝑨𝒐√𝟓[(𝒑𝒐 + 𝟏)𝟕/𝟐 − 𝟏] (2)

Where:
V = is the Airspeed.
Ao = 661.74 knots speed of sound at sea level
Po = 29.92 mmhg air pressure at standard sea level
qc = impact pressure sensed by pitot tube.
By putting the different value in equation 2 to get the different value of the Airspeed.

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3.3. Mach number
Mach number is the ratio of the speed of the body to the speed of sound in the surrounding air.
Basically, Mach number is dimensionless quantity which represent the ratio of flow velocity to
the speed of sound. The formula of Mach number is defined as in equation 3 by putting the
different value to get the Mach number [5].
M = u/c (3)
Where:
M= Mach number.
u= speed of aircraft.
C= speed of sound 343 m/s (666.7 knots)

The table no.3-2 shows the calculated value of Airspeed at different pressure value also represent
the Mach number that varies with Airspeed.
Pressure (psi) Airspeed (knots) Mach number

11.23 220.172 0.34

9.834 281.114 0.41

9.613 290.361 0.43

8.134 350.411 0.524

6.971 420.3 0.6299

Table 3-2. Calculation of Airspeed and Mach number

The graphical representation of Airspeed and the Mach number shown below. The relation

22
between Airspeed and Mach number is directly for example as speed of the Aircraft increase the

Mach number vs Airspeed

0.7 0.629
0.6 0.524
0.5 0.41 0.43
Mach number

0.4 0.34
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
220.172 281.114 290.361 350.411 420.3
Airspeed

Mach number
Figure 3-2. Graph between Mach No. vs Airspeed.

Mach number also increase with the ratio of speed of sound.

3.4. Outside Air Temperature

The outside air temperature of the aircraft is measured by a temperature probe mounted on the
surface of the aircraft. The probe is designed to bring the air to rest relative to the aircraft. We
use the PT-100 for measuring the temperature. In pt-100 we measure the resistance value per
degree. By using the equation 4 and 5 to get the accurate value of temperature [8].
For temperatures -200°C to 0°C:
R t = R 0 * (1 + A * t + B * t 2 + C * (t - 100°C) (4)
For temperatures 0°C to 850°C:
R t = R 0 * (1 + A * t + B * t 2) (5)
Where:
A= 0.0039083
B= -0.0000005775
C= -0.00000000004183
Ro= 100ῼ
t= temperature in C.

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The table no. 3-3 shows the calculated value of the resistance per degree.

Temperature Ĉ Resistance Ω Altitude (feet) Temperature C

-20 92 2000 10.83

-10 96 3000 8.45

0 100 5000 5.07

10 103.90 6000 3.69

20 107.79 7000 1.28

30 111.69 8000 -2.97

40 115.54 10000 -4.05

Table 3-3. Calculation of Total air temperature.

Now, the graphical representation of calculated temperature and calculated Altitude is shown
below. The relation between temperature and the altitude are inversely for example as height of
aircraft increase the temperature will be decrease.
• At 5000 feet temperature is 5.07 C.
• At 10000 feet temperature is -4.05C.

Altitude vs Temperature
30000
25000
25000
20000
20000
15000
Altitude

15000
10000
10000
5000
5000
0
5.07 -4.05 -14.7 -24.2
Temperature
Altitude
Figure 3-3. Graph between Altitude vs Temperature.

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3.5. Total Air Pressure
Total air pressure is defined as the sum of the static pressure and dynamic pressure. These
pressure values are taken from the pitot-static tube. By using pressure transducer, we have Vout
at the output end. Use equation 6 to get the output voltage that varies with pressure [7].
Vout = VS x (0.00369 x P + 0.04) _________________________________ (6)
± (Pressure Error x Temp. Factor x 0.00369 x VS)
Where:
VS = 5.1 ± 0.25 Vdc
The table no. 3-4 shows the calculated values of the Vout/ kpa pressure. The Vout varies with
pressure whenever pressure value increases the Vout at output end also increase according to
the above relation (equation 6).
Vout Pressure (psi)

0.5 1.43

1.0 2.90

1.5 4.35

2.0 5.80

2.5 7.20

3.0 8.73

3.5 10.13
Table 3-4. calculated values of the Vout/ KPa pressure.

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Now, the graphical representation of the pressure and the Vout is shown below. The straight line
shows the directly relation between pressure and voltages.

Output voltages vs pressure

8 7.2
5.8
6
4.35
pressure

4 2.9

2 1.43

0
0.5 1 Output voltage1.5 2 2.5
pressure
Figure 3-4. Graph between Voltages vs Pressure.

26
 Chapter 04
4. Methodology and Results
We have designed new Air Data System using COTS components, also designed the multi-
function display (MFD) using graphic user interface (GUI) in LabVIEW software. The main parts of
our Air Data System are as follows:
• Physical systems.
• Electrical transducers.
• DAQ Device.
• Microcontroller.
• Air Data processor.
• MFD.

4.1. Block Diagram

The block diagram of the whole Air Data System is shown below in figure 4-1.

Figure 4-1. Photo of block diagram of whole air data system working.

4.2. Working of our project

There are two main parameters i.e. Temperature and Pressure which are sensed by electrical
transducers that’s give this Analogue input to the DAQ device after the signal conditioning
because of linear response, then this Analogue signal is converted into the Digital signal by using
DAQ device which are analyzed by the LabVIEW software. And convert these pressures and
temperature into the signals representing Airspeed, Altitude, Mach number, Outside air
27
Temperature and Angle of Attack.

4.2.1. Signal conditioning

The main purpose of the signal conditioning is making a signal from a sensor or transducer
suitable for processing by data acquisition equipment. There are three types of signal
conditioning i.e.
Linearization.
Excitation.
Amplification.
To get the straight-line relationship with physical measurement and providing the excitation
voltage(s) required by using the 100nF capacitor in parallel and 1KΩ resistance in series as shown
in the figure below:

Figure 4-2. Photo of circuit diagram for temperature transducer.

4.3. LabVIEW Environment

Laboratory Virtual Instrument Engineering Workbench (LabVIEW) is a software which is normally
used for National Instrument devices. The graphical language is named “G” used in this software.
LabVIEW normally used for Data Acquisition, instrument control and industrial Automation. The

28
LabVIEW programs-subroutines are termed virtual instruments (VIs). Each VI has three
components for example, a block diagram, a front panel, and a connector pane. The picture of

Figure 4-3. Photo of LabVIEW icon.

the LabVIEW software is shown in figure 4-3 [10].

4.3.1. Graphical programming

LabVIEW is the establishment of user interfaces in the development cycle. LabVIEW programs
are known as virtual instruments. For each VI there are three modules: (1) Block diagram (2)
Front panel (3) Connector panel.

4.3.2. LabVIEW Block Diagram

The LabVIEW block diagram of new Air Data System shown below in figure no. 4-4. The combined
electrical signals of temperature and pressure are acquired by DAQ Assistant in the form of
voltages to the inputs. These signals are split using split-signal function. These signals are in the
form of dynamic data which are converted into the array type data by using the dynamic to array
type converter then we apply the mathematically operations to calculate Air Data parameters.
This array type data further converted into the dynamic data to display the final results on our
MFD using numeric indicators.

29
 Figure 4-4. Photo of LabVIEW block diagram.

4.4. Final Results

The final results on our MFD are shown below in figure no. 4-5. The top left side show the Altitude
indicators with digital display which varies with atmospheric pressure. The top right side shows
the Airspeed indicator with digital display, Mach number and Angle of attack. The Attitude
indicator is shown in center of the MFD. The bottom side shows the main parameters i.e.
temperature in the left side and pressure is shown in middle also humidity is shown in right side
of the MFD.

30
 Figure 4-5. Photo of final results on MFD.

4.5. Additional working

4.5.1. Student scope
The Student Scope is a software oscilloscope specifically designed to work with the National
Instruments USB-6009 data acquisition device. The student scope gets analogue inputs across
the two channels in such way that, pin 2,3 for channel-1 and 5,6 for chennal-2 of the DAQ device.
Basically, it is PC based oscilloscope used for check the behavior of signals also to export a
screenshot to a printable HTML report [9]. The block diagram of student scope is shown in figure

31
4-6.

Figure 4-6. Photo of student scope block diagram.

4.5.1.1. LabVIEW results

The LabVIEW results of the student scope are shown in figure 4-7. represents the behavior of
signals and frequency.

4-7. Photo of student scope LabVIEW result.

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4.5.2. IR Remote Control
There are two main components is this project i.e. IR remote and Photodiode which are shown
above. Firstly, we transmit the IR signal from the remote this signal is detected by photodetector.
The photodiode converts this signal into the analog signal which is interfaced with DAQ device
and LabVIEW software. Finally, this digitized signal will be analyzed using LabVIEW software to
control the popular iTunes application with the help of ActiveX controls [9]. The circuit diagram
of IR remote control is shown in figure 4-8.

Figure 4-8. Photo of circuit of IR remote control.

4.5.2.1. LabVIEW Block diagram

The LabVIEW block diagram is shown in figure 4-9. In which DAQ assistance take the input from
the DAQ device and create the while loop that allows the code to be executed rapidly. Also create
the Active-X library to play and paused the song. The Acquire sound function are used for play
the song.

Figure 4-9. Photo of LabVIEW diagram of IR remote control.

33
4.5.2.2. Final Results
The final results are shown in figure 4-10. The left side show the IR signal response and right side
show the song response that are play and paused by Active-X library.

Figure 4-10. Photo of final result of IR signal response.

4.5.3. Humidity
For calculate the relative humidity of inside the cockpit of an aircraft, connect the pin 2 of sensor
to the pin 2 & 3 of the DAQ device. This signal is analyzed by LabVIEW through the DAQ assistant.
DAQ assistant give the dynamically data that convert into to array type data by using dynamic to
array converter. Then apply the mathematically operation to compute the Humidity. The
LabVIEW block diagram is shown in figure 4-11.

Figure 4-11. Photo of block diagram of Humidity sensor.

The final results of the Humidity are shown above in figure 4-5. Which show that how many
vapors of water present in air relative to environment.

34
4.5.4. Gyro Sensor
The gyro sensor is used for determining the roll, pitch, yaw movements of aircraft and for the
angle of attack. Gyro sensor has built in motion processor. It processes the values from the
accelerometer and gyroscope to give us accurate 3D values. The roll and pitch values from gyro
sensor are used in attitude heading indicator shown in figure 4-5.

4.5.4.1. LabVIEW block diagram

The microcontroller reads the 3D values of roll, pitch, yaw and also angle of attack from gyro
sensor by serial communication which is interfaced with LabVIEW. Below is the figure of LabVIEW
block diagram for gyro sensor.

Figure 4-12. Photo of LabVIEW block diagram for gyro sensor.

35
 Chapter 05
5. Conclusion and Recommendations
5.1. Conclusion
Air data computers are used by aircraft to compute the Air Data parameters by taking the inputs
from the pitot-statics tube. Many types of limitation occur in earlier type of aircraft because of
Analogue displays i.e. bending the needle, pneumatics and sometime incorrect calibration. On
other hand, Data buses are used for transmit/receive the signal in modern aircraft which are cost
expensive. Now, we invent the new types of Air Data System using COTS hardware and software
to overcome this type of limitations. We take the inputs from the air by using the electrical
transducers which is interfaced with DAQ device to digitized the analogue inputs at the rate (48
KS/s). These digital outputs are analyzed by LabVIEW software and designed the MFD using GUI
to show Air Data parameters. Use the DAQ assistance in LabVIEW, that take two types of
parameters i.e. pressure and temperature. Further mathematically operation take place to find
the Indicated airspeed, True airspeed, Mach Number, Altitude, total air temperature. And other
important parameters i.e. pitch, roll movement and angle of attack.

In additions we calculate inside cockpit Humidity, IR remote control Using National Instruments
Low Cost Data Acquisition and student scope for get extra understanding about data acquisition.
The main objective/goal is used the RS232 rather than pneumatics/ARNIC-429 and PC (laptop)
like Air Data computer to overcome the maximum weight and systematic error.

5.2. Recommendations
In future we recommend to manufacture cockpit to Analyzed all Air Data parameters and find
the all parameters which are integrated with Air Data system in simulated environment.

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 Chapter 6
6. References
[1] (Moir, Design and develpment of aircraft system 2nd edition, 2013)
[2] (Seabridge, civil Avionics system, 2003)
[3] (Advance Avionics Handbook, 2009)
[4] (A Quick Derivation relating altitude to air pressure, 2004)
[5] (Airspeed/Mach number Derivation from pressure)
[6] (National instrument, 2019)
[7] (Freescale semiconductor, 2009)
[8] (PT-100 temperature sensor)
[9] (Student Scope Using NI USB Data Acquisition,IR Remote Control Lab, 2012)
[10] (Introduction to LabVIEW, 2004)

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