Aviation

The involvement of specialist MMI design and manufacture house IGT Industries at an early stage of the project development has enabled Trig Avionics substantially to reduce the time to market for its launch product, the TT31 Mode S aviation transponder. Ease of use, low cost and low power consumption were key parameters of the design brief, and IGT was able to use its extensive experience to help achieve the objectives. Established in 2004, Trig Avionics specialises in low power, high tech solutions for existing and emerging requirements in general aviation avionics; its first product provides light aircraft owners with a cost-effective way of meeting existing and forthcoming new mandatory EU elementary surveillance requirements.
 
IGT worked closely with Trig's design team to design, prototype, debug and manufacture a complete front panel interface assembly that is a simple push and click fit onto the main body of the unit.  IGT designed, prototyped and sourced a custom plastic moulding, a custom silicon rubber key assembly and the screen printed front bezel itself. The MMI sub-assembly is based on a dedicated PCB, designed by IGT, that provides and controls the automatic and manual backlighting and upon which are mounted rotary controls and tactile keys that control the functionality of the unit. 

Specification Options

• Tactile or non-tactile response.
• Dome, full key or profile embossing.
• Chemical resistant overlay films.
• UV resistant films.
• RFI / ESD protection.
• LEDs integrated into the membrane structure.
• Support panel manufactured in steel / aluminium.
• Interchangeable legend (Inserts).
• IP65 / IP67 subject to engineering consultation.
• Colour matching via GretagMacbeth Colour Eye XTH colour photo spectrometer.
• Colour verification via VeriVide colour control cabinet.
• Prototype small batch to volume production.
• Printing technology to the latest specifications.

Traditionally, the control panels in aircraft seats have been illuminated using electroluminescent lamps. In this application, this technology has a major drawback in that a 120V voltage is applied to the keyboard to power the lamps, a potentially dangerous situation.

IGT developed an innovative illumination method using low voltage point light sources combined with light guides integrated into the structure of the control panel. Several major world airlines are now specifying this technique for their next generation passenger seats.

Seat control panel shown in picture is the B.A. Business Class seat, the panel is manufactured for Contour Aircraft Seating.

• Backlit control panel, via acrylic moulded light guide using both LEDs and lamps.
• UV stable polyester. For use at high altitude.
• Translucent image areas for seat position indication.
• IP67 subject to Engineering Design compliance.
• RFI/EMC compliant.
• 12v rating.
• 12 month warranty from installation on aircraft.
• Specification approval - Airborne Equipment Specification RTCA/DO-160E.