Bite in Aircraft Electric Power Systems

BITE, the Built-In Test Equipment concept, is becoming important in electric power systems for jet airplanes. The ground rules for BITE on these systems are recommended. Based on the recommended ground rules three approaches to BITE; Trip Signal Indication, Confidence Check, and Maintenance Annunciation; are discussed. For each approach the function, method of operation, complexity, effect on weight, cost, and mean-time-between-failure of the BITE are given.