The paper provides an introduction into IEEE-1394, AS5643 and related documents. It then explores the I/O Technology Suitability Study criteria used to originally select IEEE-1394b (Beta) as the Vehicle System Data Bus for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and update each criterion with new information based on more than a decade of experience and use in not only the F-35 but several other programs.
Based on the suitability study criteria, the reader gains insight into how and why programs like the F-35, which implements dozens of AS5643/IEEE-1394 devices per plane, utilize AS5643/IEEE-1394 for its vehicle system network. This unprecedented use of a high speed (491.52Mb/s) serial interface on an aircraft proves the capability of AS5643/1394, and opens the door for higher bandwidth communication between the Control Computer and remote nodes. While I/O bandwidth is important, system level deterministic behavior is required for most vehicle system networks and AS5643 coupled with 1394 provides the required deterministic behavior.
The criteria explored is: deterministic behavior, fault tolerance, weight, power, volume, latency, software impact, hardware development risk, Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) risk assessment, tech refresh path, both non-recurring and re-occurring costs and, finally, customer acceptance.