An integrated communication system in an aircraft is provided. The system includes a plurality of solid state flight deck modules in an integrated flight deck panel, wherein the solid state flight deck modules include a microcontroller for interfacing with at least one data bus controller via a local bus; and a light emitting diode (LED) module for controlling backlit illumination of the integrated flight deck panel. The controller sends information to plural solid state flight deck modules via local buses and uses a system bus to communicate with aircraft subsystems. The controller also uses a central power supply module to supply regulated power to the plural solid state flight deck modules. Furthermore, at least one solid state flight deck module includes an integrated panel brightness control module, master brightness control module and/or a master dim and test control module.