ARINC SPECIFICATION 620-8-2014 PDF

Full title and description

St ARINC SPECIFICATION 620-8-2014 — ARINC 620-8: Datalink Ground System Standard and Interface Specification (DGSS/IS). This specification defines the interface characteristics and operational guidance between data link service providers (ground) and data link users (airborne and ground-based systems), including support for meteorological data relay services such as AMDAR.

Abstract

ARINC 620-8 (published 2014) provides the technical and interface requirements for ground-based data link systems that interact with airborne data link users. The document describes message formats, service interfaces, operational behavior, and guidance intended to promote interoperability among data link service providers and user equipment. The 2014 revision explicitly includes provisions to support Aircraft Meteorological Data Relay (AMDAR) Version 6 as downlinked via ACARS.

General information

• Status: Historical / published revision (ARINC 620-8); listed as a published ARINC technical specification (2014).
• Publication date: December 2014 (document date shown as Dec 21, 2014 / 2014-12).
• Publisher: Issued under the ARINC/AEEC process and available through SAE/SAE Industry Technologies Consortia (SAE Mobilus / SAE distribution channels).
• ICS / categories: Avionics; communication protocols; data link systems; aeronautical ground/air communications (DGSS/IS).
• Edition / version: Revision “-8” (ARINC 620-8, 2014 revision).
• Number of pages: 421 pages (published technical specification).

Scope

The specification sets forth the desired interface characteristics of data link service providers to data link users and provides the information needed for application development and uniformity across providers. It contains general and specific guidance concerning interfaces between data link service providers and airborne and ground users, including message definitions and operational behaviour for DGSS/IS. The 2014 revision includes provisions to support AMDAR meteorological data reporting via ACARS.

Key topics and requirements

• Interface definitions between data link service providers and data link users (airborne and ground).
• Message formats and protocol handling for DGSS/IS.
• Operational and service behavior guidance to promote interoperability.
• Support for Aircraft Meteorological Data Relay (AMDAR) Version 6 over ACARS.
• Requirements and recommendations for implementing ground-system interfaces and service provider responsibilities.

Typical use and users

Primary users are avionics manufacturers, data link service providers, airline engineering and operations teams, ground system operators, and meteorological agencies (users of AMDAR data such as national weather services). The spec is used to design, validate and operate ground-to-air data link services and ensure interoperability with airborne equipment.

Related standards

Part of the ARINC 620 series (previous and subsequent revisions). Later revisions of the ARINC 620 series (for example ARINC 620-9 and ARINC 620-10) have been published; ARINC 620-8 (2014) is a historical revision within that series. The document is typically used alongside other ARINC communications and avionics interface specifications (DGSS/IS-related ARINC documents and ACARS-related guidance).

Keywords

Data link, DGSS, DGSS/IS, ARINC 620, ACARS, AMDAR, ground system, data link service provider, avionics communications, interoperability.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ARINC 620-8 (2014) is a technical specification titled “Datalink Ground System Standard and Interface Specification (DGSS/IS)” that defines interface characteristics and operational guidance between data link service providers and data link users (airborne and ground).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers interface definitions, message formats, service behavior and operational guidance for ground data link systems interacting with airborne users — including specific provisions added in 2014 to support AMDAR meteorological reporting via ACARS.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Avionics manufacturers, airline engineering and operations groups, data link service providers, ground-system implementers, and meteorological data users (e.g., national weather services consuming AMDAR data) use this specification.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ARINC 620-8 is the 2014 revision. Subsequent revisions of ARINC 620 (for example 620-9 and 620-10) have been published after 2014, so 620-8 should be treated as a historical revision when newer editions are required for current compliance. Check the publisher’s distribution channels for the most recent revision.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the ARINC 620 series of Datalink Ground System Standards and Interface Specifications; the series includes earlier and later revisions (e.g., 620-7, 620-9, 620-10).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Data link, DGSS, DGSS/IS, ACARS, AMDAR, ground system interface, interoperability, avionics communications.