Soft Switch Panel



The requirement to control ever more cabin
functions from the galley or within the cabin
continues to grow. As these functions can
differ between aircraft, particularly those of
the Galley or Master/VIP Seat, standard
switch panels become vast areas of
confusing buttons, varying in size and
complexity of wiring interfaces.

Intheairnet Ltd. offers a solution to this costly and time consuming issue with the Soft
Switch Panel. It enables a completion center or OEM to install a control panel which can
cater for changes in specification and functionality without increasing in size.

Each unit has 18 touch switch positions, 4 of which are fixed function. The remainder are
positioned over a graphic LCD panel. This permits these switch elements and their
associated functions to be changed as necessary. Each touch switch can be configured
to provide local control through a series of relays, or be remotely controlled over the built-
in RS485 data bus, allowing control of many other functions including source control,
switching, galley functions and lighting via the CMS Switching Unit.

Other possibilities include display of switch or function status, including data such as
time or temperature, where available. The Soft Switch Panel operation permits different
functions to be designated through software to each of the graphic switch element areas.
The installer can now fit a standard sized panel offering the flexibility to meet different
aircraft requirements without the major expense of redesigning the interior fittings of the
aircraft or that of the panel.

Changes in function can now be undertaken through a series of simple software
modifications. The Soft Switch Panel is further expandable through second level function
display pages hidden under certain keys. A main screen function such as “galley”, for
example, can open up additional selections of water heater, vapour vent, galley accent
lighting etc.

The operating software may be re-configured and updated by connecting the unit to a
(laptop) PC and downloading the new data. A built in IR. sensor also permits an effective
optional method of updating software, without removal of the panel from the aircraft cabin.