ARINC SPECIFICATION 619-5-2017 PDF

Full title and description

ARINC SPECIFICATION 619-5:2017 — ACARS Protocols for Avionic End Systems. This specification defines the protocols, interfaces and message handling used by Aircraft Communication Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) Management Units (MU) and Communications Management Units (CMU) when exchanging data with onboard avionics end systems and optional auxiliary terminals.

Abstract

The document organizes and specifies character‑oriented and bit‑oriented communications protocols, physical and link layer requirements, message routing and priority, printer and recorder interfaces, and related data formats used in ACARS end‑system communications aboard transport category aircraft.

General information

• Status: Current / Active.
• Publication date: August 9, 2017.
• Publisher: Aeronautical Radio Inc. (ARINC) / SAE Industry Technologies Consortia (SAE‑ITC), ARINC Industry Activities.
• ICS / categories: 49.090 — On‑board equipment and instruments (avionics communications protocols).
• Edition / version: ARINC 619‑5:2017 (2017 release, referenced as the 2017 edition).
• Number of pages: 151 pages.

Scope

The specification applies to ACARS Management Units (per ARINC 724B) and Communications Management Units (per ARINC 758) and defines the protocols for their interaction with end systems (LRUs), optional auxiliary terminals and peripherals (printers/recorders). It covers character‑oriented file transfer mechanics, general bit‑oriented communications, physical and link layer definitions, network layer behavior, message priority and media selection, and formats for documentary and operational data exchanged on aircraft data buses and dedicated ACARS interfaces.

Key topics and requirements

• Character‑oriented file transfer protocol and ARINC 429 character file transfer formatting requirements.
• General bit‑oriented communications: physical medium, physical layer, link layer and network layer definitions.
• Message routing, priority, media selection and delete‑message functions.
• Printer and recorder interfaces (including ARINC printer characteristics and CMU recorder protocol).
• Attachment and code tables (origin/destination codes, purpose/nature codes, message formats and timing requirements).
• Interaction and integration guidance for MUs, CMUs and end systems, including optional auxiliary terminals and documentary data handling.

Typical use and users

This specification is used by avionics engineers, system integrators, aircraft OEMs, airlines and airline engineering departments, communication equipment manufacturers (MU/CMU vendors), test laboratories and certification authorities to design, implement, integrate, test and certify ACARS‑capable LRUs and supporting communications management equipment for transport aircraft.

Related standards

Normative and related ARINC specifications referenced include ARINC 724B (ACARS MU), ARINC 758 (CMU), ARINC 597, ARINC 702A, ARINC 744/744A (printers) and other 600‑series characteristics that define interfaces, messages and equipment behavior for ACARS end systems.

Keywords

ACARS, Management Unit (MU), Communications Management Unit (CMU), character protocol, bit‑oriented protocol, ARINC 429, printer interface, recorder protocol, message routing, aircraft avionics communications.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ARINC 619‑5:2017 is an ARINC specification that standardizes ACARS communication protocols and interfaces for avionics end systems, MUs and CMUs on transport category aircraft.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers character and bit‑oriented communication protocols, physical and link layer definitions, printer and recorder interfaces, message routing/priority, media selection and data formats required for ACARS end‑system interactions.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Avionics hardware and software engineers, airline systems integrators, equipment manufacturers (MU/CMU vendors), test houses and certification authorities use this specification when developing, integrating and verifying ACARS functionality.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2017 release (ARINC 619‑5:2017) is listed as the active/current edition in standards catalogs; users should confirm with ARINC/SAE for any later revisions or amendments after 2017.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ARINC 619 is part of the ARINC 600‑series family of characteristics and is explicitly linked to other ARINC specifications (for example ARINC 724B, 758, 597 and 744) that together define ACARS, CMU/MU behavior and peripheral interfaces.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: ACARS, MU, CMU, ARINC 429, character file transfer, bit‑oriented communications, printer interface, recorder protocol, avionics communications.