Abstract: An automatic squelch is provided within an intercom to control the gating of a microphone signal path. The automatic squelch includes an analog-to-digital converter coupled to receive an analog microphone input signal which is configured to convert the analog microphone input signal into a digital input signal. A peak detector is further provided to maintain a peak value indicative of peaks in the digital input signal. The peak value maintained by the peak detector reacts relatively quickly to changes in the digital input signal. In one implementation, when the digital input signal is larger than the peak value, the peak value is set at the level of the digital input signal. When the digital input signal is less than the peak value, the peak value is “decayed” or reduced at a relatively fast decay rate. A background noise detector is further provided for maintaining a background value indicative of background noise in the digital input signal.

Abstract: A device and method that allows a pilot to switch between communication and navigation inputs without disrupting the pilot's current task. An audio selector panel has inputs for at least two communication transceivers and outputs for at least a pilot's headset. A rotary switch on the face of the audio selector panel selects which inputs are connected to which outputs. The audio selector panel further includes a remote swap switch that is mounted in a position in which the pilot can activate the switch without removing his/her hands from a yoke or diverting his/her eyes to the switch. The activation of the remote swap switch causes the audio selector panel to switch between the communication and navigation inputs. In this way, the pilot can switch communication and navigation inputs without disrupting the current task of the pilot.