The Interface Processor Unit (IPU) is the data acquisition, management and processing unit of the integrated monitoring, test and recording system for the Eurofighter. lt is based on a modular multiprocessor architecture. The IPU is equipped with interfaces to two STANAG 3910 high-speed fiber optic digital data buses and one STANAG 3838 electrical data bus. Intelligent controllers are provided for the interfaces which perform time critical control functions for data transfer on the high-speed bus, the addressing and formatting of data and error checking.

In addition, the IPU also contains both electrical and fiber-optic links to various aircraft subsystems. A digital signal processor handles sensor data and compresses digitized audio data, using special compression algorithms.

Main Features are Collection and Management of Maintenance Data.

Configuration

• Modular Multi Processor System
• Remote Terminal for Utilities Control System Bus (MIL-STD 1553 B)
• Remote Terminal for Avionics Bus
  (STANAG 3910)
• Remote Terminal for Attack Bus
  (STANAG 3910)
• 2 point-to-point fiber-optic connections to Flight Control System
• Audio Interface to Cockpit Audio Management Unit

Installed in the Avionic Bay of the Eurofighter Aircraft.