Flexible multi-modem broadband terminal for mobile platforms

Abstract

A modular broadband terminal is provided that allows connection of multiple different modems. The modular broadband terminal includes a main connector board having a common interface. The modem has a specific interface that is different from the common interface and other modems. Each modem can be connected to a converter adapter board that is configured to couple the modem to the common interface.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 705,790, filed on July 15, 2020. This and all other cited exogenous materials are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. If a definition or use of a term in a reference incorporated by reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein is deemed to control. Technical Field

[0003] The field of the invention is broadband terminals. Background Art

[0004] The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the invention. No admission is made that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication explicitly or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0005] As the demand for Internet connectivity continues to increase, satellite (broadband) terminals are increasingly being installed on board aircraft and other vehicles. For the reception and transmission of data, a satellite modem is usually required. Typically, broadband terminals are limited to a single modem card, which restricts their use to a specific network system or provider. In this case, in order to ensure Internet connectivity, the vehicle will be restricted to a specific region of the world and / or a specific satellite system (even if better services are available).

[0006] For example, for broadband terminals designed for aircraft, long-haul flights may require a change of satellite system or dictate that Internet connectivity is not provided for the entire duration of the flight. Such broadband terminals are configured in accordance with ARINC Standards 791 and 792 and refer to a Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) designated as a Modem Manager (ModMan). Configuration of ModMan is currently limited to one modem per broadband terminal, which results in ModMan typically only allowing connection to specific satellite systems or constellations.

[0007] Therefore, in this example, supporting multiple satellite systems requires the use of multiple modems. Typically, this results in the use of more units that require more space and add additional weight. Using multiple modems also involves multiple designs and developments, especially for modems that offer typically different interfaces (e.g., Ethernet connections, serial interfaces, etc.). This also increases costs due to certification and qualification activities.

[0008] Another problem is that modem vendors often implement different interfaces on their modem cards. For example, the number of Ethernet interfaces and the type of Ethernet interfaces (e.g., 100BASE-T, SGMII) as well as the number of discrete signal inputs and discrete signal outputs, LEDs for status indication, etc. may vary.

[0009] In the most advanced implementations, each integration of a new modem card requires a redesign of the printed circuit board (PCB) in the ModMan that plugs into the modem card. Even if the modem card is not plugged directly into the PCB but connected via a cable, the ModMan's PCB must provide the necessary interface to receive the cable that connects the new modem card.

[0010] This would likely require a major redesign of the existing ModMan PCB and ModMan hardware, which would mean prohibitive engineering costs, as well as the administrative overhead of managing and maintaining dozens of different part number variations.

[0011] All publications identified herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. If a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

[0012] Therefore, there remains a need for a modular broadband terminal that can accommodate multiple different modems without requiring redesign of the PCB or other hardware. Summary of the invention

[0013] The subject matter of the present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods for modular broadband terminals that are configured to interface with multiple modems that may have different interfaces. The preferred modular broadband terminal is configured so that different and / or new modems can be easily integrated and supported over time without the need to replace the broadband terminal, thereby avoiding major redesign of the broadband terminal.

[0014] As mentioned above, the main problem with current broadband terminals is the use of a dedicated modem for each service or provider, with the modem having specific interfaces, including, for example, a specific number of Ethernet interfaces (100BASE-T, SGMII), serial connection type (if any), number of discrete input / output signals, status indicators (e.g., LEDs), etc. In this way, each integration of a new modem card requires a specific configuration of the electronic package to ensure that the modem card works properly.

[0015] The intended broadband terminal of the subject matter of the present invention is configured to provide enough communication interfaces (e.g., Ethernet ports, discrete input / output, serial communication, status indicators) that are common to different modems. These interfaces can be accessed through connectors (e.g., mezzanine connectors) that allow receiving / insertion of dedicated printed circuit boards (PCBs) and / or flexible circuits (e.g., Starrflex) and / or cables.

[0016] To accommodate different modems, each modem can have a different module that can provide a connection / conversion between the common interface of the broadband terminal and the interface of the modem. For example, the module can be a PCB or other component and is referred to as a converter adapter board (CAB) in this article. The CAB advantageously allows each modem to be integrated into the broadband terminal and properly interface with the electronic package of the terminal. In addition, the use of a separate CAB for each modem can significantly reduce engineering costs because no major redesign of the core PCB of the terminal is required, while allowing the terminal to adapt to new modem cards.

[0017] Advantageously, sufficient flexibility and adaptability is provided for integrating one or more modems in a single terminal, using the basic common design of the basic electronic package present in the terminal, the connector allowing access to the common interface and the circuitry ensuring the conversion from the common interface to the specific interface (e.g. CAB). This provides significant benefits over prior art terminals by advantageously reducing the number of terminals required for the use of multiple modems and reducing costs in terms of design and development, and, if applicable, in terms of certification and authentication.

[0018] The subject matter of the invention is further illustrated in the following examples.

[0019] A modular broadband terminal, comprising: a main connector board having at least two common interfaces; at least one converter adapter board; and at least one modem. In some embodiments, the terminal may include at least two converter adapter boards and at least two modems. At least one of the at least two common interfaces is configured to: (a) indirectly connect to one converter adapter board via a flexible circuit or cable, or (b) connect to the converter adapter board by directly receiving the converter adapter board. Each converter adapter board is directly or indirectly connected to one modem. The connected modems may be the same or different.

[0020] The modular broadband terminal may also include one or more of the following: a main carrier board; a CPU module; a main interface board; and a power board. Each of these components may be connected to a connector board of the broadband terminal.

[0021] The modular broadband terminal may also include an intermediate frequency (IF) routing circuit configured to be communicatively coupled to the at least one modem.

[0022] In the case where the modular broadband terminal includes at least two modems, the IF routing circuit can be configured to switch the coaxial signal from one of the at least two modems to another of the at least two modems. Alternatively or additionally, the IF routing circuit can be configured to route the coaxial signal through at least one converter adapter board. The IF routing circuit can also be configured to convert different frequency signals to the same frequency, such as for transmitting signals from the broadband terminal.

[0023] Another embodiment is directed to a modular broadband terminal, comprising a main connector board having at least two common interfaces; a first modem having a first interface different from the at least two common interfaces; a second modem having a second interface different from the at least two common interfaces and the first interface; a first converter adapter board configured to connect to the first modem and one of the at least two common interfaces; and a second converter adapter board configured to connect to the second modem and the other of the at least two common interfaces. Each of the first and second converter adapter boards can be configured to be directly plugged into one of the at least two common interfaces and the first or second interface, or alternatively the boards can be configured to connect to one of the at least two common interfaces via a flexible circuit or cable.

[0024] The modular broadband terminal may also include one or more of the following: a main carrier board; a CPU module; a main interface board; and a power board. Each of these components may be connected to a main connector board. The connector board may also include an intermediate frequency (IF) routing circuit configured to be communicatively coupled to the first and second modems. The IF routing circuit may be configured to switch the coaxial signal from one of the first and second modems to the other of the first and second modems. And optionally or additionally, the IF routing circuit is configured to route the coaxial signal through one or both of the first and second adapter boards.

[0025] In each of the above embodiments, each of the at least two common interfaces of the main connector board is configured to: (a) indirectly connect to the converter adapter board via a flexible circuit or cable; or (b) directly connect to the converter adapter board by receiving the converter adapter board.

[0026] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals represent like components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 An illustrative embodiment of a modular broadband terminal having two modems is shown.

[0028] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a modular broadband terminal for aircraft. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] In the following discussion, there will be numerous references to servers, services, interfaces, portals, platforms, or other systems formed by computing devices. It should be understood that the use of such terms is considered to mean one or more computing devices having at least one processor configured to execute software instructions stored on a computer-readable tangible, non-transitory medium. For example, a server may include one or more computers operating as a network server, database server, or other type of computer server in a manner that performs the described roles, responsibilities, or functions.

[0030] The following discussion provides many exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of elements of the present invention, the subject matter of the present invention is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Therefore, if one embodiment includes elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment includes elements B and D, then even if not explicitly disclosed, the subject matter of the present invention is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D.

[0031] The modular broadband terminals discussed herein greatly reduce the complexity, time delays, and costs associated with designing and / or redesigning connector boards and other components so that the terminal can be easily adapted to different types of modems. Additionally, the ability to have one terminal that can accommodate different types of modems reduces the weight and space required to accommodate these terminals. This last benefit is particularly valuable for terminals on aircraft where space is at a premium.

[0032] Satellite-specific modems each have specific standards. Each vendor has a proprietary interface and unique waveform signals. One aspect of the inventor's discovery is to use a universal interface that can be used for modems currently and in the future.

[0033] exist Figure 1, a preferred embodiment of a modular broadband terminal 100 including a main electronic package 102 is shown. The main electronic package 102 includes one or more common interfaces 104, and preferably includes at least two common interfaces, to which one or more modems can be coupled. Preferably, the terminal 100 is configured to provide a sufficient number and / or variety of interfaces to support different types of modems. Although two modems are shown coupled to the terminal, it is contemplated that a single modem or three or more modems can be coupled to the terminal without departing from the scope of the invention described herein. Their key function is the ability to add additional modems and replace modems with new or different types without replacing the terminal itself.

[0034] Using multiple modems requires the ability to select / switch between different radio frequency (RF) transmission and reception signals (Tx and Rx). This can be achieved by switching / combining Tx paths and / or switching / separating Rx signals through dedicated circuitry. To achieve this, the main electronic package 102 also includes a transmission (Tx) switch / combiner 114 and / or a receiver (Rx) switch / splitter 116 to ensure that transmission and / or reception from modems 108A, 108B, and any other modems to modem 108A and / or modem 108B and / or any other modem are ensured. The transmission switch / combiner and the receiver switch / splitter can combine signals for transmission and separate received signals.

[0035] A converter / adapter board (CAB) may facilitate the interface between the modem and the main electronics package 102. Figure 1 As shown, the CAB may be plugged directly into the modem (ie, CAB 106A plugs into interface 110A of modem 108A) or directly into the main electronic package 102 (ie, CAB 106B plugs into interface 104).

[0036] CAB 106A may be connected to common interface 104 via flexible circuit and / or cable 112A. Similarly, CAB 106B may be connected to interface 110B of modem 108B via flexible circuit and / or cable 112B. In this manner, modem 108B may be connected to CAB 106B via a cable, for example, where modem 108B does not provide a common plug for all signals, but instead provides separate cables and plugs for different signals (e.g., a dedicated RJ45 plug for each Ethernet connection).

[0037] Thus, CABs 106A, 106B may be configured to allow each CAB to plug directly into a modem and / or plug into a cable and / or flex circuit. This allows modularity and adaptability in both electronic / electrical aspects as well as modularity in mechanical attributes (form factor, heat dissipation, etc.).

[0038] If necessary, the CABs 106A, 106B preferably each perform signaling conversions (e.g., discrete on / off levels to RS422 voltage levels, TTL to RS232 or RS422, etc.) However, the CABs 106a, 106B may not be limited to such conversions, but may also include one or more microprocessors for other purposes, such as accommodating certain communication layers.

[0039] Figure 2 Explains based on Figure 1 A use case example in an aircraft of a terminal is shown, and additionally shows how the IF signal can be routed to a CAB (Modem A) or directly to a modem (Modem B). Although an aircraft is shown, it is contemplated that the systems and methods described herein can be used in trains, ships, buses, and other vehicles.

[0040] Modem manager (ModMan) 200 includes modems 216A and 216B, and an electronics package having a main carrier board 202, a CPU module 204, a main interface board 206, and a power supply 208. Figure 2 As shown, all of these components can be coupled to a backplane connector board 210. The backplane connector board 210 is expected to be an ARINC 600 connector, but may depend on the specific application. The backplane connector board 210 advantageously provides an interface with sufficient communication interfaces, such as an Ethernet port, discrete inputs, discrete outputs, serial communication interfaces, status indications, etc.

[0041] Similar to Figure 1 Each modem may be connected to ModMan 200 via a common interface 212 using a CAB. Likewise, although two modems are shown coupled to the terminal, it is contemplated that a single modem or three or more modems may be coupled to the terminal without departing from the scope of the invention described herein.

[0042] CAB 214A is shown inserted into modem 216A, and CAB 214A can be connected to common interface 212 via flexible circuit and / or cable 218A. CAB 214B is shown inserted into common interface 212, and CAB 214B can be connected to modem 216B via flexible circuit and / or cable 218B. As described above, it is expected that each CAB can be different from the modem to be integrated. The CAB advantageously allows the modem signals to be interconnected to the communication interface provided on the BCB connector. In order to do this, adaptation of the signaling may be required (e.g., converting discrete TTL level on / off signals to RS422 voltage levels, converting between TTL serial communication voltage levels to RS232 or RS422).

[0043] In this way, space inside ModMan 200 may be used more efficiently and flexibly, and the CABs 214A, 214B and / or modems 216A, 216B may be moved away from the BCB 210 through the use of flexible PCBs or cables 218A, 218B.

[0044] Due to the possibility of multiple modems 216A, 216B connected to ModMan 200, the backplane connector board 210 may also include an "IF routing" circuit 220 to switch the coaxial signal from one modem to another modem (e.g., modem 216A to modem 216B, or vice versa). The IF signal may be routed from the modems 216A, 216B via a flexible coaxial cable. However, in other embodiments, the IF signal may be routed through the CABs 214A, 214B, respectively, particularly where space optimization is desired.

[0045] The inventive subject matter described herein can also be used with modems that are not designed for satellite communications. For example, a modem for LTE-based direct air-to-ground (ATG) or other systems and waveforms can be used as long as the modem uses coaxial cable to relay IF signals (rather than RF, high-power signals) and can use a common interface to exchange signaling with ModMan.

[0046] As used herein, unless the context dictates otherwise, the term "coupled to" is intended to include direct coupling (where two elements coupled to each other are in contact with each other) and indirect coupling (where at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled to" are synonymous.

[0047] Unless the context dictates otherwise, all ranges described herein should be interpreted as including their endpoints, and open ranges should be understood to include only commercially practical values. Likewise, unless the context dictates otherwise, all lists of values ​​should be interpreted as including intermediate values.

[0048] As used in the description herein and in the claims that follow, the meanings of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0049] Here, the description of the range of values ​​is only for the purpose of using as a shorthand method, and each individual value falling within the range is quoted separately. Unless otherwise specified herein, each individual value with a range is included in this specification as if it is quoted separately in this article. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order, unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradictory in context. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided for some embodiments herein is only intended to better illustrate the present invention, without limiting the scope of the present invention. Any language in the specification should not be interpreted as indicating any unclaimed element that is essential to the practice of the present invention.

[0050] The grouping of the alternative elements or embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting. Each group member can be quoted and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. For convenience and / or patentability reasons, one or more members of a group can be included in a group or deleted therefrom. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, this specification is deemed to include the group modified here, so as to meet the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0051] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, without departing from the inventive concepts herein, further modifications are possible in addition to those already described. Therefore, the subject matter of the present invention is not limited except in the spirit of the appended claims. In addition, when interpreting the specification and claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprise" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components or steps may exist, or be utilized, or be combined with other elements, components and steps that are not explicitly referenced. If the specification claims involve at least one item selected from the group consisting of A, B, C... and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element in the group, rather than A plus N or B plus N, etc.

Claims

1. A modular broadband terminal, comprising: A connector board having at least two common interfaces; at least two converter adapter boards separate from the connector board and including a first converter adapter board and a second converter adapter board; a first modem having a first interface that is different from or incompatible with the at least two common interfaces; a second modem having a second interface different from or incompatible with the at least two common interfaces and the first interface; and At least two modems, wherein each of the at least two common interfaces is configured to: (a) be connected indirectly to one of the at least two converter adapter boards via a flexible circuit or cable, or (b) be connected to one of the at least two converter adapter boards by directly receiving one of the at least two converter adapter boards, The first converter adapter board is configured to connect to the first modem and one of the at least two common interfaces; and the second converter adapter board being configured to connect to the second modem and another of the at least two common interfaces; and wherein the connector board further comprises an intermediate frequency (IF) routing circuit, and wherein the IF routing circuit is configured to be communicatively coupled to the first and second modems and is configured to route the coaxial signal through the first and second converter adapter boards, and wherein the IF routing circuit is further configured to switch the coaxial signal from one of the first and second modems to the other of the first and second modems.

2. The modular broadband terminal of claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least two common interfaces is indirectly connected to one of the at least two converter adapter boards via a flexible circuit or a cable.

3. The modular broadband terminal of claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least two common interfaces is connected to one of the at least two converter adapter boards by directly receiving one of the at least two converter adapter boards.

4. The modular broadband terminal according to claim 1, further comprising: Main carrier plate; CPU module; Main interface board; and Power board, Wherein, each of the main carrier board, the CPU module, the main interface board and the power supply board is connected to the connector board. 5 . The modular broadband terminal according to claim 1 , wherein the IF routing circuit is further configured to convert different frequency signals into the same frequency.

6. The modular broadband terminal of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second converter adapter boards is configured to be directly plugged into one of the at least two common interfaces and the first or second interface.

7. A modular broadband terminal according to claim 1, wherein the first converter adapter board is configured to connect to the first interface via a flexible circuit or a cable; and wherein the second converter adapter board is configured to connect to the second interface via a flexible circuit or a cable.

8. A modular broadband terminal comprising: a connector board having first and second common interfaces, wherein each of the first and second common interfaces is configured to receive a converter adapter board; a first converter adapter board; a second converter adapter board; a first modem having a first modem interface that is different from or incompatible with the first and second common interfaces; a second modem having a second modem interface different from or incompatible with the first and second common interfaces; wherein one of the first and second common interfaces is configured to: (a) be coupled to the first converter adapter board indirectly via a flexible circuit or cable, or (b) be coupled to the first converter adapter board by directly receiving the first converter adapter board; wherein the other of the first and second common interfaces is configured to (a) be indirectly coupled to the second converter adapter board via a flexible circuit or cable, or (b) be directly coupled to the second converter adapter board by directly receiving the second converter adapter board; wherein the first converter adapter board is connected to the first modem via a modem interface, and wherein the second converter adapter board is connected to the second modem via a second modem interface; wherein the first modem and the second modem are different; and wherein the connector board further comprises an intermediate frequency (IF) routing circuit, and wherein the IF routing circuit is configured to be communicatively coupled to the first and second modems and is configured to route the coaxial signal through the first and second converter adapter boards, and wherein the IF routing circuit is further configured to switch the coaxial signal from one of the first and second modems to the other of the first and second modems.

9. The modular broadband terminal of claim 8, wherein the first common interface or the second common interface is indirectly connected to the first converter adapter board via the flexible circuit or cable.

10. The modular broadband terminal of claim 8, wherein one of the first and second common interfaces is connected to the first converter adapter board by directly receiving the first converter adapter board.

11. The modular broadband terminal according to claim 8, further comprising: Main carrier plate; CPU module; Main interface board; and Power board, Each of the main carrier board, the CPU module, the main interface board and the power board is coupled to the connector board.

12. The modular broadband terminal according to claim 9, wherein the IF routing circuit is further configured to convert different frequency signals into the same frequency.

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