ELEC Panel

Flight Simulation Hardware – Electrical Control Panel

Overview

This ELEC panel replicates the Electrical Panel found in Airbus aircraft, used for managing electrical power distribution including generators, battery systems, bus feeds, and external power sources.

The hardware design includes a PCB assembly, front acrylic panel, and provisions for simulation-accurate interaction using Korry-style switches and 7-segment display indicators for battery voltage.

⚠️ Flight Simulation Only – Not for use in real aviation applications.

Panel Layout

The ELEC Panel is laid out to match Airbus standard schematics:

Top Row:

• BAT1 and BAT2 switch indicators.

• 7-segment displays for battery voltage readings.

• AC ESS FEED switch with ALTN mode.

• DC BUS1 and DC BUS2 indicators.

Middle Section:

• Power distribution flow through AC BUS1, AC BUS2, and AC ESS BUS.

• BUS TIE rotary switch with AUTO/OFF positions.

• EXT PWR switch with AVAIL and ON indicators.

Lower Section:

• Generators and IDG controls: GEN1, GEN2, IDG1, IDG2.

• Auxiliary controls: APU GEN, COMMERCIAL, GALY & CAB.

PCB Details

Connectors & Interfaces

J2 – 40-pin Header

• Main signal interface to controller.

• Pinout includes LEDs, switches, and display interface.

CONNECTION J2

K1–K10 – Korry Switch Connectors

• Connectors for:

  • BAT1, BAT2

  • GEN1, GEN2

  • IDG1, IDG2

  • APU GEN, EXT PWR

  • AC ESS FEED

J2, J3 – External 7-Segment Interface Headers

• Connected to external driver (e.g., MAX7219).

• Displays voltage for BAT1 and BAT2.

J4 – Rotary Switch for BUS TIE

• 3-pin interface for OFF/AUTO detection.

J5 – Power Supply

• Terminal block to power onboard components and LED circuits.

LEDs and Indicators

• 85+ yellow LEDs used for:

  • Backlighting switch areas.

  • Highlighting rotary switch positions.

  • Illuminating legend indicators.

• Two 3-digit 7-segment displays:

  • BAT1 and BAT2 voltage display.

  • Common anode layout with external driver control.

Mounting and Assembly

• 4 corner mounting holes.

• Panel and PCB screw layout are aligned for secure stacking.

• Acrylic front panel includes:

  • Engraved legend for all controls.

  • Slots for all switches and indicators.

  • Routed channels for rotary and 7-segment displays.

Fabrication and Panel Fit

Acrylic Faceplate:

• Color-coded preview:

  • Red = Front Panel

  • Blue = Back Panel

  • Green = Engraving

  • Orange = Korry Labels

• Laser-engraved legends include:

  • Switch labels: COMMERCIAL, GALY & CAB, EXT PWR, etc.

  • Bus names: AC BUS1, DC BUS2, AC ESS FEED, BUS TIE

  • Voltage display windows for BAT1 and BAT2

  • Graphic bus connections mimicking Airbus electrical schematic.

PCB Design Reference

• Red = Top copper traces

• Blue = Bottom copper traces

• Yellow = Silkscreen legends

• Routing and via structure supports through-hole and SMD components

🔗 Attribution

• Version: ELEC Panel v1.0

• Project: OpenA3XX

• License: CC BY-SA 4.0

• Note: Design for simulation use only.