Manual Number 9019161 Revision C, August 18, 2023 5
SECTION 1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
INTRODUCTION
The model MD23 series FLEX Custom Function Display (“CFD”) is a panel-mounted instrument
capable of displaying various inputs in a configurable graphical presentation. FLEX
is an off-the-
shelf solution that is FAA and EASA TSO-approved with Level A design assurance software
certification. The power of FLEX
is its ability to become exactly what your application requires
without the time and cost of a product development and certification effort. This unique new
breakthrough in avionics uses a Patent Pending software concept that allows it to be quickly
customized to your requirements by Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics without re-certification.
With the ability to receive and send multiple types of inputs and outputs, allow user interface, and
display custom designed graphics, FLEX
is as flexible as it gets.
The MD23 is a general purpose CFD indicator in a standard 2-inch (2-¼”) rear-mounted form-factor
with a daylight readable color IPS-LCD display and a push-and-turn knob. The model series comes
in three hardware platforms, each with a 26-pin electrical connector, one with quick-disconnect pitot
and static pneumatic inputs, and one with integrated IMU sensing. A USB port is accessible behind
a cover on the rear of the unit for field-loadable software updates and installation of a Custom
Instrument Definition (CID) file.
The unique Multi-I/O (MIO) feature allows twelve of the unit’s electrical inputs to be configured per
the CID file to either accept or output various types of signals and information. MIO pins can be
defined to be an analog input, a discrete on/off input, an analog output, or a discrete output. In the
indicator version of the unit (non-pitot/static), the unit is also capable of accepting up to three
independent frequency inputs for tachometer or related use. There are two ARINC 429 serial inputs
and one output. The ARINC labels can be defined as needed for each application. The ARINC
output can combine both ARINC inputs, user selections, and translate MIO (analog/discrete) inputs
into a single ARINC data stream. The remaining interface options include a thermocouple input,
RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, an external dimming control, and 10-32VDC power.
An Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) based on 6-axis of internal sensing gives FLEX the ability to
function as a standalone solution to a variety of traditional inertial instruments, such as an attitude
indicator, turn coordinator, g-meter, or AHRS data source. By combining internal IMU data with
external data such as magnetic heading, FLEX can be further configured to display navigational
information in a custom display that meets the unique needs of any aircraft.
The MD23 FLEX
can add a new function to your panel, combine multiple data sources into a single
display, or control external equipment. The FLEX
is a great tool for any panel upgrade, STC, or
forward-fit challenge. It brings a cost effective and certified product together with the flexibility to
configure it to your custom requirements, making it the perfect value and solution for your specific
cockpit display and control needs.
