Description / Abstract:
This standard defines a generic set of electrical interfaces
between a host aircraft ("platform") and an electro-optic/infrared
(EO/IR) sensor. This includes connectors, cabling, fiber optics,
signals, and power.
Relationship Between Platform/Sensor Interfaces and SAE AS-1C
Standards
Figure 1 shows the relationship between the various interfaces
and the various SAE standards. AS6129 (electrical) covers
connectors, conductors and fiber optics signals, and power, and
some aspects of data transport. AS6135 (data) covers data (e.g.,
imagery, metadata, as well as command, status, and response
messages.). AS6135 overlaps AS6129 in the area of protocols for
data transport. AS6135 and AS6129 are closely bound together
because building a system based on these standards is dependent on
the requirements from both standards. Also, requirements put in one
standard can impact the options for updating the other
standard.
NOTE: Regarding Figure 1, SAE is drafting a standard to cover
maintenance and test which, if adopted, will likely overlap both
AS6129 and AS6135. SAE is also drafting a standard to cover the
mechanical interface which, if adopted, will overlap AS6129 with
regard to connectors.
Purpose
The intent of this standard is to enhance interchangeability and
interoperability amongst equipment provided by various EO/IR
Suppliers and avionic systems. Adoption of this standard will
improve procurement flexibility for system integrators and platform
providers. Platform providers include fixed wing, rotary wing, UAS
(except for micro-UAS) and lighter than air vehicles. The
interfaces are designed to facilitate the:
a. operation of EO/IR sensor electrical and mechanical
subsystems;
b. interconnection between EO/IR sensor systems and the avionics
systems hosted by the platform;
c. exchange of data and metadata between sensor systems and
sensor data processing;
d. maintenance of EO/IR systems, allowing for reduction in
maintenance equipment in the field and for test.
Application
This standard applies to all platforms and EO/IR sensors that
interface with each other. AS6129 addresses turreted EO/IR sensor
systems. Future revisions of AS6129 may address other classes of
EO/IR sensor systems such as non-gimbaled sensors and podded
sensors. This standard is intended for application to future
sensors and platforms. This includes evolutionary modifications as
well as completely new designs. This standard is intended for use
by procuring agencies, and as a general guideline for industry.