As aircraft systems become more sensor-rich and visually driven, the demand for high-speed, low-latency digital video has grown rapidly. Cockpits today rely on real-time feeds from infrared sensors, radar, optical cameras, map systems, synthetic vision, and flight recorders. All this information must pass through a complex avionics video network before reaching the pilot.
One of the key standards enabling this ecosystem is ARINC 818, also known as the Avionics Digital Video Bus (ADVB). With the introduction of ARINC 818-2, the industry gained enhanced performance, higher bandwidth, channel bonding, switching capabilities, and features designed to support modern mission-critical applications.
What is ARINC 818?
ARINC 818 is an 8B/10B encoded, point-to-point, unidirectional video and data transmission protocol. It supports:
- Uncompressed real-time video
- Extremely low latency
- High reliability
- Multiplexing of multiple video streams on a single link
ARINC 818 follows a packetized, video-centric structure, allowing great flexibility across platforms—from mission computers and cockpit displays to remote sensors and EO/IR systems.
The standard defines 15 link speeds, ranging from 1 to 28 Gbps, making it suitable for everything from small control displays to ultra-high-resolution large-area mission displays.
What’s New in ARINC 818-2?
Released in December 2013, ARINC 818-2 expanded the original specification to support the next generation of avionics systems.
1. Higher Bandwidth Options
The new standard added several higher Fibre Channel–based rates:
- 5.0, 6.375 (FC-6x), 12.75 (FC-12x), 14.025 (FC-16x), 21.0375 (FC-24x), 28.05 (FC-32x) Gbps
These expanded rates accommodate:
- High-resolution mission displays
- Bi-directional coax-based interfaces with power
- Camera control channels requiring non-standard return link speeds
2. Switching Support
While ARINC 818 was originally point-to-point, modern platforms may have 10+ video channels and multiple displays.
ARINC 818-2 introduces switching guidelines using:
- Source and destination IDs
- Project-defined rules in the ICD
This improves flexibility in distributed video architectures.
3. Compression & Encryption Support
Driven by UAV/UAS downlinks, high-resolution sensors, and secure environments, ARINC 818-2 allows:
- Compressed video
- Encrypted video
- Data-only payloads
Flags inside each container identify whether data is encrypted or compressed.
4. Channel Bonding
To break FPGA bandwidth limitations, ARINC 818-2 supports distributing video frames across multiple parallel channels.
Example:
A 2560×1600, 24-bit, 60 Hz WQXGA display requires major bandwidth. Splitting this load across two 4.25 Gbps links meets performance requirements without compromising latency.
5. Data-Only Links
Essential for command-and-control functions such as:
- Camera focus
- White balance
- Sensor mode selection
These are especially useful for bi-directional camera interfaces.
6. Field-Sequential Color
ARINC 818-2 adds support for field-sequential color systems used in:
- Wearable displays
- Helmet-mounted displays
- Transparent HUDs
- Low-cost LCD solutions
Each color component is transmitted in its own container.
7. Improved Camera Synchronization
The new revision provides SOFi (Start of Frame Initiate) guidance to sync multiple cameras—useful for:
- Image merging
- Blending
- Sensor fusion
8. CRC Improvements
One of the biggest challenges from ARINC 818-1 was the complex image CRC calculation.
Supplement 2 includes detailed examples that reduce implementation errors.
Why an ICD Is Essential
Every ARINC 818 or ARINC 818-2 project requires a shared Interface Control Document (ICD) to define:
- Link speed
- Resolution
- Frame timing
- Synchronization
- Channel bonding rules
- Compression/encryption methods
Without a common ICD, two ARINC 818 systems are not compatible.
Applications of ARINC 818-2
ARINC 818-2 is widely deployed in both commercial and military aerospace programs, including:
- Airbus A350XWB, A400M
- Boeing 787 and KC-46A
- UAV/UAS real-time video systems
- EO/IR sensor processors
- Panoramic large area cockpit displays
- Fusion of radar, IR, EO, and synthetic vision video streams
Beyond avionics, ARINC now supports:
- 15,000+ aircraft
- 300 airlines
- 200+ metro and rail systems
- Nuclear power facility monitoring systems
It has become the de-facto standard for high-performance, deterministic video networks.
Explore the ARINC-818 IP Core
For designers building flight-critical video systems, an ARINC 818 IP Core ensures:
- Seamless video transmission
- High-speed ADVB compliance
- Low-latency performance
- Easy integration with FPGA-based designs
Download the ARINC 818-2 Datasheet
Conclusion
The ARINC 818-2 standard brings powerful enhancements to the avionics video ecosystem higher speeds, channel bonding, compression, switching, and advanced camera interfaces. These capabilities support the growing need for high- bandwidth, real-time video in next-generation cockpits and mission systems.
For avionics engineers working on modern display architectures, UAVs, synthetic vision, and multi-sensor fusion, ARINC 818-2 provides a robust, flexible, and future-ready video transport framework.