Flexible multi-modem broadband terminal for mobile platforms

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 705,790, filed July 15, 2020. This and all other referenced external materials are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In the event that a definition or use of a term in a document incorporated by reference conflicts or is contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein shall be deemed controlling.

[0002] The field of the invention is broadband terminals. [Background technology]

[0003] The following description contains information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. None of the information provided herein is admitted to be prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0004] As the demand for Internet connectivity continues to grow, satellite (broadband) terminals are being installed in more and more aircraft and other vehicles. For receiving and transmitting data, a satellite modem is typically required. Typically, a broadband terminal is limited to a single modem card and its use is restricted to a particular network system or provider. In this situation, to guarantee Internet connectivity, the vehicle will be constrained to a particular region of the world and / or a particular satellite system (even if better services become available).

[0005] For example, for broadband terminals designed for aircraft, long-haul flights may require satellite system changes or may not provide Internet connectivity for the entire flight. Such broadband terminals refer to Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) configured according to ARINC standards 791 and 792 and designated as Modem Managers (ModMans). ModMan configurations are currently limited to a single modem per broadband terminal, and as a result, ModMans typically only allow connections to a specific satellite system or constellation.

[0006] Thus, in this example, support for multiple satellite systems requires the use of multiple modems. Generally, this results in more units being used, requiring more space in the aircraft and adding weight. Using multiple modems also involves multiple designs and developments, especially modems that typically provide different interfaces (e.g., Ethernet connections, serial interfaces, etc.). This can also increase costs due to authentication and credentialing activities.

[0007] Another problem is that modem vendors often implement different interfaces on their modem cards, such as 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 outputs, LEDs for status indication, etc.

[0008] In modern implementations, each integration of a new modem card requires a redesign of the printed circuit board (PCB) within the ModMan into which the modem card plugs. Even if the modem card does not plug directly into the PCB but instead connects via a cable, the ModMan PCB must provide the necessary interface to receive the cable that connects the new modem card.

[0009] This would likely require a major redesign of existing ModMan PCBs and ModMan hardware, which would mean excessive costs for engineering effort and the administrative expenses of managing and maintaining dozens of different part number variations.

[0010] 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 contradicts or is 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.

[0011] Thus, a need remains for a modular broadband terminal that can accommodate a number of different modems without requiring redesign of the PCB or other hardware. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The present subject matter provides apparatus, systems, and methods for a modular broadband terminal configured to interface with multiple modems, which may have different interfaces. A preferred modular broadband terminal is configured to allow for easy integration and support of different and / or new modems over time without requiring replacement of the broadband terminal, thereby avoiding significant redesign of the broadband terminal.

[0013] As mentioned above, a major problem with current broadband terminals is the use of a dedicated modem for each service or provider with a specific interface including, for example, a specific number of Ethernet interfaces (100BASE-T, SGMII), type of serial connection, number of discrete input / output signals, if any, status indicators (e.g., LEDs), etc. Thus, every time a new modem card is integrated, a specific configuration of the electronic package is required to ensure that the modem card functions properly.

[0014] Contemplated broadband terminals of the present subject matter are configured to provide a sufficient number of communication interfaces common to different modems (e.g., Ethernet ports, discrete inputs / outputs, serial communications, status indicators), which may be accessed via dedicated printed circuit boards (PCBs) and / or flexible circuits (e.g., Starrflex) and / or connectors (e.g., mezzanine connectors) that allow cables to be received / plugged in.

[0015] To accommodate different modems, each modem may have a separate module that can provide a connection / conversion between the common interface of the broadband terminal and the interface of the modem. The module may be, for example, a PCB or other component, and is referred to herein as a converter adapter board (CAB). The CAB advantageously allows each modem to be integrated into the broadband terminal and to properly interface with the terminal's electronic package. In addition, using an individual CAB for each modem can significantly reduce engineering costs while allowing the terminal to accommodate new modem cards, since no significant redesign of the terminal's core PCB is required.

[0016] By utilizing a basic common design of the requisite electronic packages present in the terminals, connectors allowing access to the common interface, and circuitry ensuring conversion from the common interface to a specific interface (e.g., CAB), sufficient flexibility and adaptability is advantageously provided to integrate one or more modems into a single terminal. This advantageously provides a significant advantage over prior art terminals by reducing the number of terminals required to use multiple modems, reducing costs from a design and development standpoint, and, where applicable, from an authentication and credential standpoint.

[0017] The subject matter of the present invention is further elaborated in the following embodiments.

[0018] The modular broadband terminal includes 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 connect to one converter adapter board by (a) indirectly connecting to one converter adapter board via a flexible circuit or cable, or (b) directly receiving the converter adapter board. Each converter adapter board is connected to one modem directly or indirectly. The connected modems may be the same or different.

[0019] The modular broadband terminal may also include one or more of a main carrier board, a CPU module, a main interface board, and a power supply board, each of which may be connected to a connector board of the broadband terminal.

[0020] The modular broadband terminal may also include an intermediate frequency (IF) routing circuit configured to communicatively couple to the at least one modem.

[0021] If the modular broadband terminal comprises at least two modems, the IF routing circuitry may be configured to switch the coaxial signals from one of the at least two modems to the other of the at least two modems. Alternatively, or in addition, the IF routing circuitry may be configured to route the coaxial signals through at least one converter adapter board. The IF routing circuitry may also be configured to convert different frequency signals to the same frequency, such as for transmission of the signals from the broadband terminal.

[0022] Another embodiment is directed to a modular broadband terminal including 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 the at least two common interfaces and a second interface different from the first interface, a first converter adapter board configured to connect with the first modem and one of the at least two common interfaces, and a second converter adapter board configured to connect with the second modem and the other of the at least two common interfaces. Each of the first and second converter adapter boards may be configured to plug directly into one of the at least two common interfaces and the first or second interface, or alternatively, the boards may be configured to connect to one of the at least two common interfaces via a flexible circuit or cable.

[0023] The modular broadband terminal may further include one or more of a main carrier board, a CPU module, a main interface board, and a power supply board. Each of these components may be connected to the main connector board. The connector board may further include an intermediate frequency (IF) routing circuit configured to communicatively couple with 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. Also, alternatively or additionally, the IF routing circuit is configured to route the coaxial signal through one or both of the first and second adapter boards.

[0024] In each of the above embodiments, each of the at least two common interfaces of the main connector board is configured to connect directly to the converter adapter board by (a) indirectly connecting to the converter adapter board via a flexible circuit or cable, or (b) receiving the converter adapter board.

[0025] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like elements and in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic embodiment of a modular broadband terminal having two modems. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the modular broadband terminal of FIG. 1 for use on an aircraft. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Throughout the following discussion, numerous references are made to servers, services, interfaces, portals, platforms, or other systems formed from computing devices. It should be understood that use of such terms is considered to represent 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 web server, database server, or other type of computer server to perform the described roles, responsibilities, or functions.

[0028] The following discussion provides a number of exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of the elements of the present invention, the subject matter of the present invention is considered to include all possible combinations of the elements disclosed. Thus, if one embodiment includes elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment includes elements B and D, the subject matter of the present invention is considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

[0029] The modular broadband terminal described herein significantly reduces the complexity, time delays, and costs associated with designing and / or redesigning connector boards and other components, so that the terminal can easily accommodate different types of modems. In addition, having one terminal that can accommodate different types of modems reduces the weight and space required to house these terminals. This last benefit is particularly beneficial for terminals found on aircraft where space is at a premium.

[0030] Each satellite specific modem has its own standard. Every vendor has its own interface and individual waveforms. One aspect of our discovery is to use a common interface that can work with current and future modems.

[0031] In Figure 1, a preferred embodiment of a modular broadband terminal 100 is shown comprising a main electronics package 102. The main electronics package 102 comprises one or more common interfaces 104, preferably at least two common interfaces to which one or more modems may 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 more than two modems may be coupled to the terminal without departing from the scope of the invention described herein. An important feature is the ability to add additional modems and to replace modems with newer or different types without having to replace the terminal itself.

[0032] The use of multiple modems requires the ability to select / switch between different radio frequency (RF) transmit and receive signals (Tx and Rx). This can be achieved via dedicated circuitry to switch / combine the Tx paths and / or switch / split the Rx signals. To accomplish this, the main electronics package 102 further comprises a transmit (Tx) switch / combiner 114 and / or a receiver (Rx) switch / splitter 116 to ensure transmission and / or reception from / to the modems 108A, 108B, and any other modems. The transmit switch / combiner and receive switch / splitter can combine signals for transmission and split receive signals.

[0033] A converter / adapter board (CAB) can facilitate an interface between a modem and the main electronics package 102. As shown in Figure 1, the CAB can plug directly into the modem (i.e., CAB 106A plugs into interface 110A of modem 108A) or directly into the main electronics package 102 (i.e., CAB 106B plugs into interface 104).

[0034] CAB 106A can be connected to common interface 104 via flexible circuit and / or cable 112A. Similarly, CAB 106B can be connected to interface 110B of modem 108B via flexible circuit and / or cable 112B. In this manner, modem 108B can be connected to CAB 106B by a cable, such as in a situation where modem 108B does not provide one common plug for all signals, but rather provides individual cables and plugs for different signals (e.g., a dedicated RJ45 plug for each Ethernet connection).

[0035] Thus, CABs 106A, 106B can be configured to allow each CAB to be plugged directly into a modem and / or into a cable and / or flexible circuit. This allows for modularity and adaptability not only with respect to electronic / electrical aspects, but also with respect to mechanical attributes (form factor, heat dissipation, etc.).

[0036] CABs 106A, 106B each preferably perform signaling conversions as needed (e.g., discrete on / off levels to RS422 voltage levels, TTL conversion to RS232 or RS422, etc.), however, CABs 106A, 106B are not limited to such conversions and may also include one or more microprocessors for other purposes, such as adapting a particular communication layer.

[0037] 2 illustrates an aircraft use case based on the terminal of FIG. 1 and further illustrates how the IF signal may be routed to the 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 may be used in trains, boats, buses, and other vehicles.

[0038] Modem manager (ModMan) 200 comprises 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. As shown, all of these components may be coupled to a backplane connector board 210. Backplane connector board 210 is contemplated to be an ARINC 600 connector, but may depend on the particular application. Backplane connector board 210 advantageously provides an interface with a sufficiently large number of communication interfaces, such as an Ethernet port, discrete inputs, discrete outputs, serial communication interfaces, status indications, etc.

[0039] 1, each of the modems may utilize a CAB to interface with ModMan 200 via a common interface 212. Again, although two modems are shown coupled to the terminal, it is contemplated that a single modem or more than two modems may be coupled to the terminal without departing from the scope of the invention described herein.

[0040] CAB 214A is shown plugged into modem 216A, which may be connected to common interface 212 via flex circuit and / or cable 218A. CAB 214B is shown plugged into common interface 212, which may be connected to modem 216B via flex circuit and / or cable 218B. As mentioned above, it is contemplated that each CAB may be separate from the modem with which it is integrated. The CAB advantageously allows for the interconnection of modem signals to a communication interface provided on the BCB connector. To do this, signaling adaptation may be required (e.g., converting separate TTL level on / off signals to RS422 voltage levels, converting between TTL serial communication voltage levels to RS232 or RS422, etc.).

[0041] In this manner, space within the ModMan 200 can be used more efficiently and flexibly, and the CABs 214A, 214B and / or modems 216A, 216B can be moved away from the BCB 210 by using flexible PCBs or cables 218A, 218B.

[0042] Due to the possibility that multiple modems 216A, 216B may be connected to the ModMan 200, the backplane connector board 210 may further comprise an "IF routing" circuit 220 for switching the coaxial signals from one modem to the other (e.g., from modem 216A to modem 216B or vice versa). The IF signals may be routed from the modems 216A, 216B via flexible coaxial cables. However, in other embodiments, particularly where space optimization is required, the IF signals may be routed through the CABs 214A, 214B, respectively.

[0043] The inventive subject matter described herein can also be used with modems not designed for satellite communications. For example, modems for LTE-based direct air-to-ground (ATG) or other systems and waveforms can be utilized as long as the modem uses coax to relay IF signals (high power signals, not RF) and a generic interface can be utilized to exchange signaling with ModMan.

[0044] As used herein, unless the context dictates otherwise, the term "coupled to" is intended to include both direct coupling (where the two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (where at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Thus, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously.

[0045] Unless the context indicates to the contrary, all ranges set forth herein shall be construed as inclusive of their endpoints, and open-ended ranges shall be construed as including only those values ​​that are commercially practical. Similarly, all lists of values ​​shall be deemed to include intermediate values, unless the context indicates to the contrary.

[0046] As used in this description 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 this description, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0047] The recitation of ranges of values ​​herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand way of individually referring to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each separate value having a range is incorporated herein as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Any and all examples provided with respect to specific embodiments herein, or the use of exemplary language (e.g., "etc.") are intended merely to make the invention more clear and do not otherwise limit the scope of the invention as claimed. No language in this specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0048] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member may be referenced and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. For reasons of convenience and / or patentability, one or more members of a group may be included in or deleted from a group. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to include the modified group and thus fulfills all Markush group descriptions used in the appended claims.

[0049] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications beyond those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concept herein. Accordingly, the subject matter of the present invention is not to be limited, except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms shall be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" shall be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that a referenced element, component, or step may be present, utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps not expressly referenced. When a claim of the specification refers to at least one selected from the group consisting of A, B, C..., and N, the text shall be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A+N, or B+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 or incompatible with the at least two common interfaces; a second modem having said at least two common interfaces and a second interface that is different or incompatible with said first interface; A modular broadband terminal comprising: each of the at least two common interfaces is configured to connect to one of the at least two converter adapter boards by (a) indirectly connecting to one of the at least two converter adapter boards via a flexible circuit or cable, or (b) 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; the second converter adapter board is configured to connect to the second modem and the other of the at least two common interfaces; the connector board further comprising an intermediate frequency (IF) routing circuit configured to communicatively couple to the first modem and the second modem and configured to route coaxial signals through the first converter adapter board and the second converter adapter board, the coaxial signals being signals transmitted by a coaxial cable.

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

3. 2. 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 comprises: The main carrier board, A CPU module; A main interface board; A power board; Further equipped with 2. The modular broadband terminal of claim 1, wherein the main carrier board, the CPU module, the main interface board, and the power supply board are each connected to the connector board.

5. 2. The modular broadband terminal of claim 1, wherein the IF routing circuitry is further configured to switch the coaxial signals from one of the first modem and the second modem to the other of the first modem and the second modem, or to convert different frequency signals to the same frequency.

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

7. 2. The modular broadband terminal of claim 1, wherein the first converter adapter board is configured to connect to the first interface via a flexible circuit or cable.

8. 8. The modular broadband terminal of claim 7, wherein the second converter adapter board is configured to connect to the second interface via a flexible circuit or cable.

9. A modular broadband terminal, comprising: a connector board having a first common interface and a second common interface, each of the first common interface and the second common interface configured to receive a converter adapter board; a first converter adapter board; a first modem having a first modem interface that is different or incompatible with the first common interface and the second common interface; A modular broadband terminal comprising: one of the first common interface and the second common interface is configured to be coupled to the first converter adapter board either (a) indirectly via a flexible circuit or cable to the first converter adapter board, or (b) directly by receiving the first converter adapter board; A modular broadband terminal, wherein the first converter adapter board is connected to the first modem via the first modem interface.

10. The modular broadband terminal comprises: a second converter adapter board; a second modem having a second modem interface that is different or incompatible with the first common interface and the second common interface; Further equipped with the other of the first common interface and the second common interface is configured to be coupled to the second converter adapter board either (a) indirectly via a flexible circuit or cable to the second converter adapter board, or (b) directly by receiving the second converter adapter board; 10. The modular broadband terminal of claim 9, wherein the second converter adapter board is connected to the second modem via the second modem interface.

11. 11. The modular broadband terminal of claim 10, wherein the first modem and the second modem are different.

12. 10. The modular broadband terminal of claim 9, wherein the first common interface and the second common interface are indirectly connected to the first converter adapter board via the flexible circuit or cable, or are connected to the first converter adapter board by directly receiving the first converter adapter board.

13. The modular broadband terminal comprises: The main carrier board, A CPU module; A main interface board; A power board; Further equipped with 10. The modular broadband terminal of claim 9, wherein each of the main carrier board, the CPU module, the main interface board, and the power supply board are coupled to the connector board.

14. 11. The modular broadband terminal of claim 10, wherein the connector board further comprises an intermediate frequency (IF) routing circuit, the IF routing circuit configured to communicatively couple with the first modem.

15. 15. The modular broadband terminal of claim 14, wherein the connector board further comprises an intermediate frequency (IF) routing circuit, the IF routing circuit configured to communicatively couple to the first modem and the second modem, the IF routing circuit configured to switch coaxial signals from the first modem to the second modem, the coaxial signals being signals transmitted over a coaxial cable.

16. 15. The modular broadband terminal of claim 14, wherein the IF routing circuitry is configured to route coaxial signals through the first converter adapter board, the coaxial signals being signals transmitted over a coaxial cable.

17. 16. The modular broadband terminal of claim 15, wherein the IF routing circuitry is configured to convert different frequency signals to the same frequency.

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