Which action characterizes a soft reset on the FDIO?

A soft reset on the FDIO, or Flight Data Interface Output, typically involves restarting the system's software without making any physical modifications to the hardware. This action is intended to refresh the software environment and clear any temporary issues that may be affecting system performance without the need for hardware intervention.

Choosing to restart the VIDS (Vehicle Interface Display Software) aligns perfectly with the concept of a soft reset, as it ensures that the software is reloaded and any transient errors are cleared while retaining the existing hardware configuration and settings. This approach is less disruptive than a hard reset, which might involve powering down the system completely or making hardware alterations.

In contrast, the other options represent different types of interventions or actions that do not fit the definition of a soft reset. Unplugging the FDIO unit or replacing components would typically indicate a manual or hard reset, which can be more intrusive. Clearing data logs, while possibly a routine maintenance task, does not align with the quick and software-focused nature of a soft reset.