Remotely controlled switchboards (figure 13-16)
allow for configuration changes to be controlled from
one or two remote computer switching control panels
(CSCPs) (figure 13-17). The actual switch
configuration and data routing take place in the CDS
digital fire control switchboard (DFCS). This greatly
reduces the time required for configuration changes in
the event of equipment casualties.
As examples of DFCS and CSCP we are using the
Mk 70 Mod ( ) DFCS and the Mk 328 Mod ( ) CSCP.
The Mod numbers of the DFCS and CSCP will vary
with the ship class on which they are installed. For
training purposes we refer to the Mk 70 as the DFCS
and the Mk 328 as the CSCP.
DIGITAL FIRE CONTROL
SWITCHBOARD (DFCS)
The digital fire control switchboard (DFCS) (figure
13-16) provides data routing, power monitoring, action
cutout (ACO) switching, and digital switching. To
perform these functions, the switchboard uses remotely
operated switches and other assemblies. The switches
route digital signals through the switchboard during
normal operation. The digital signals consist of groups
of parallel bits, which form digital words. The digital
words are transmitted between computers, associated
peripheral equipment, and digital equipment in other
subsystems as shown in figure 13-18. The switches also
can be used to interrupt or redirect signal flow manually
during maintenance operations.
Control and status signals are normally used to
initiate the switching action and monitor the status of
the switch positions. The CSCP generates control
signals to select the desired switch configuration on the
switchboard. Status signals from the switchboard light
indicators on the CSCP to display the current switching
configuration. In a casualty situation, manual
positioning of switches can be performed.
The DFCS is composed of two or more switch-
board sections (figure 13-16) covered with variable
configurations of switch panels. Each panel type
performs a specific function. The 24 panels per section
are normally arranged in groups according to the
functions performed by the panels. The front panel of
each switchboard section is hinged on the left side to
Figure 13-16.—Digital fire control switchboard (DFCS).
13-26
