Gregory's ServerThe process starts with pressure measurements. Pressure transducers (black domes) convert pressure to rotation. Inside, bellows rotate a sensor shaft. This drives a servo feedback loop with magnetic amplifiers and a motor rotating the output shaft, outputting the log pressure.
|
8 comments
 Temperature is important because it affects air density. A platinum probe measures temperature through varying resistance. Another servo feedback system produces temperature rotations. The CADC is modular: temperature is this wedge-shaped module. Synchros convert a rotation into three electrical signals. Connecting the three wires to another synchro reproduces the rotation at a remote location, e.g. pilot instruments. Numerous synchros provide outputs from the CADC. I wrote a blog post about the Bendix Central Air Data Computer with more details and photos: https://www.righto.com/2023/02/bendix-central-air-data-computer-cadc.html  @kenshirriff The use of the pressure and temperature servo loops to magnify weak physical phenomenon into something strong enough to turn downstream components is quite interesting. |
The pressure signals go to differentials (circle-X symbols). Then cams (CCD) apply various functions. Finally, synchro transmitters generate 3-phase electrical outputs that drive pilot instruments, weapons systems, and so forth.