Modern avionics rely heavily on high-speed, low-latency digital video for cockpit displays, mission systems, and sensor processing. As display resolutions increase and aircraft systems become more data-driven, the industry needed a standard that could handle uncompressed, real-time video reliably. This led to the creation of ARINC 818, also known as the Avionics Digital Video Bus (ADVB).
Over time, the standard has advanced through ARINC 818-2 and ARINC 818-3, bringing major improvements in bandwidth, encoding efficiency, interoperability, and support for next-generation applications like 4K/8K displays and windowless cockpits.
This guest post provides a simplified look at how ARINC 818 has evolved and how each revision strengthens modern aerospace video systems.
What is ARINC 818?
ARINC 818 is a high-bandwidth, low-latency digital video interface designed specifically for aerospace and defense applications. It supports uncompressed video, precise timing, and extremely reliable transmission—making it ideal for:
- Cockpit displays
- Mission and video processors
- EO/IR and radar sensors
- Helmet-mounted and head-up displays
- High-resolution situational awareness systems
Its flexibility, reliability, and standardization make ARINC 818 the backbone of modern avionics video architectures.
Why ARINC 818 Matters
Key benefits of ARINC 818 include:
- Uncompressed, real-time video
- Very low latency for mission-critical applications
- High reliability with error-checking mechanisms
- Support for multiple video streams on a single link
- Adaptability to various resolutions, frame rates, and physical layers
As avionics displays grew more advanced, the need for higher data rates and more robust features led to newer revisions.
ARINC 818-2 – Enhanced Performance & Flexibility
Published in 2013, ARINC 818-2 brought major updates for next-generation avionics systems.
Key Enhancements
- Higher link rates — up to 28.05 Gb/s
- Channel bonding for large-area and high-resolution displays
- Support for compressed and encrypted video
- Field-sequential color formats
- Frame-level switching for multi-display architectures
- Data-only links for camera and control systems
Use Cases
- High-resolution cockpit display systems
- Multi-sensor fusion in mission computers
- UAV/UAS real-time video links
- Advanced optical/IR sensors
ARINC 818-3 – Higher Bandwidth & Next-Gen Applications
Released in 2018, ARINC 818-3 refined the standard further and addressed ultra-high-resolution needs.
Key Enhancements
- Defined latency budgets for predictable system performance
- Support for 8b/10b and high-efficiency 64b/66b encoding
- Support for 12G+ data rates
- Up to 28.05 Gbit/s using 64b/66b or 256b/257b encoding
- Display emulation mode for test systems and integration labs
Use Cases
- 4K / 8K cockpit and mission displays
- Windowless cockpit architectures
- Digital vision systems & synthetic vision
- High-speed VR-based training and situational awareness systems
ARINC 818 vs 818-2 vs 818-3 – Quick Comparison
| Feature | ARINC 818 | ARINC 818-2 | ARINC 818-3 |
| Max Data Rate | ~8.5 Gbps | Up to 28.05 Gbps | Up to 28.05 Gbps (improved encoding) |
| Encoding | 8b/10b | 8b/10b | 8b/10b & 64b/66b |
| Channel Bonding | No | Yes | Yes |
| Compression/Encryption | No | Supported | Supported |
| Latency Budget | No | No | Yes |
| Switching Support | Limited | Frame-level switching | Enhanced |
| Ultra-HD Support | Limited | Improved | Ideal for 4K/8K & VR |
Why the Evolution Matters
The shift from ARINC 818 to 818-3 brings the aerospace industry closer to fully digital, high-resolution, next-generation cockpits with:
- Lower latency
- Higher bandwidth
- Better encoding efficiency
- More flexible architectures
- Support for advanced display technologies
- Improved interoperability
As aircraft adopt richer visual systems—synthetic vision, sensor fusion, panoramic LADs (Large Area Displays)—these enhancements are mission-critical.
Conclusion
The journey from ARINC 818 → 818-2 → 818-3 shows how avionics video standards have adapted to rising demands for bandwidth, clarity, and reliability. With support for ultra-high-resolution displays, faster link rates, and improved encoding, ARINC 818-3 stands as a powerful platform for the future of digital aviation systems.
For aerospace engineers and system designers, understanding these revisions helps ensure the right standard is selected for each mission-critical application—keeping avionics systems both high-performance and future-ready.