Route switching device, route switching method, and communication device

Abstract

To provide redundancy for communication devices.SOLUTION: A path switching device 200 includes a transmission unit 210, a main system unit 220, a secondary system unit 230, and a control unit 240. The transmission unit 210 transmits optical signals received by a receiving unit 110. The control unit 240 causes either the main system unit 220 or the secondary system unit 230 to perform data processing based on the transmitted optical signals, depending on the status of the main system unit 220.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a path switching method in a communication device.

Background Art

[0002] The number of users using communication devices represented by mobile phones is increasing. Also, the content provided using communication devices is becoming more sophisticated. With the increase in the number of users and the sophistication of content, the communication devices are becoming larger in capacity.

[0003] In recent years, in order to contribute to the expansion of the coverage area of mobile phone networks, the transmission capacity of satellite communication has also been increasing. Therefore, high-speed signal processing is required for the communication devices mounted on communication satellites.

[0004] The lifespan of a communication satellite is about 15 years, and the communication demand changes during the operation period of the communication satellite. Therefore, it is required to flexibly control radio resources such as frequency and spatial domain by digital signal processing technologies such as digital channelizers or digital beamforming.

[0005] Note that, in the communication devices mounted on communication satellites, the components constituting digital signal processing need to have resistance to radiation, heat, vibration, etc. in the space environment. For example, components suitable for satellite mounting with an error detection function and an error correction function are supplied. And the selectable components are limited compared to the components widely used on the ground.

[0006] Patent Document 1 discloses a device that detects an error in the output of an electronic processing device and changes the power supply voltage to the electronic processing device based on the analysis of the error.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6104573 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] To achieve higher capacity in satellite-borne equipment, it is necessary to increase the speed of digital signal processing circuits. While it is desirable to be able to use state-of-the-art components supplied for ground use in space, if components with low reliability in the space environment are used, those components may fail, and such failures can lead to the complete shutdown of the entire system.

[0009] One way to improve the overall reliability of equipment using less reliable components is to provide multiple units of the component and switch between them to achieve redundancy. Redundancy switching can be broadly classified into two types: electric switch type and passive hybrid type.

[0010] An electrical switch system is a type of switch that mechanically or electrically switches between paths. With mechanical switching, waveguide switches and other components become larger as the frequency increases. Furthermore, there are limitations to the number of switching cycles that can be performed by mechanical drive. In terms of electrical switching, there is no mechanism for space applications that can handle high frequencies. Ground-based mechanisms are prone to single-point errors, and therefore do not contribute to improved reliability through redundancy.

[0011] While passive hybrid systems offer high environmental resistance, they can only distribute power in a 1:2 ratio. Therefore, distributing power to multiple high-speed serial transmission lines (lanes) requires components equal to the number of lanes. In other words, passive hybrid systems increase the number of components.

[0012] To summarize the above challenges, a passive circuit with strong resistance to the space environment is desirable. Furthermore, it is desirable that it can handle high-speed transmission and provide redundancy for high-speed serial transmission between digital devices.

[0013] The present disclosure aims to achieve redundancy for a communication device.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0014] The path switching device of the present disclosure includes a transmission unit that transmits an optical signal received by a communication device, two or more system units for executing data processing based on the transmitted optical signal, a control unit that causes any one of the two or more system units to execute the data processing according to the states of the two or more system units, and is provided with.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] According to the present disclosure, it becomes possible to achieve redundancy for a communication device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] <S [Figure 1] Configuration diagram of the communication device 100 in Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Configuration diagram of the receiving unit 110 and the path switching device 200 in Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] Configuration diagram of the transmitting unit 120 and the path switching device 300 in Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] Flowchart of the communication method at the time of reception in Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] Flowchart of the communication method at the time of transmission in Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] Hardware configuration diagram of the elements of the communication device 100 in Embodiment 1.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] In the embodiments and the drawings, the same elements or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. The description of the elements denoted by the same reference numerals as the described elements will be omitted or simplified as appropriate. The arrows in the drawings mainly indicate the flow of data or the flow of processing.

[0018] Embodiment 1. The communication device 100 will be explained based on Figures 1 to 6.

[0019] ***Explanation of the structure*** The configuration of the communication device 100 will be explained based on Figure 1. The communication device 100 includes a set of a receiving unit 110 and a route switching device 200, and a set of a transmitting unit 120 and a route switching device 300.

[0020] The communication device 100 is used as a transmitter, receiver, or relay device. The communications unit 100 is primarily installed on spacecraft such as artificial satellites.

[0021] Based on Figure 2, the configuration of the receiving unit 110 and the route switching device 200 will be explained. The receiving unit 110 includes an optical input unit 111 and an optical transmission unit 112. The route switching device 200 comprises a transmission unit 210, a main system unit 220, a secondary system unit 230, and a control unit 240. The main system unit 220 includes a main system optical receiving unit 221 and a main system data processing unit 222. The slave system unit 230 includes a slave optical receiving unit 231 and a slave data processing unit 232.

[0022] The transmission unit 210 is specifically a distributor. The transmission unit 210 is connected to the optical transmission unit 112, the main optical receiving unit 221, and the secondary optical receiving unit 231 using optical fibers. The optical fibers enable high-speed serial transmission. A passive circuit is used in the transmission section 210. A specific example of a passive circuit is a photocoupler.

[0023] Based on Figure 3, the configuration of the transmitting unit 120 and the route switching device 300 will be explained. The transmitting unit 120 includes an optical receiving unit 121 and an optical output unit 122. The route switching device 300 comprises a main system unit 310, a secondary system unit 320, a control unit 330, and a transmission unit 340. The main system unit 310 includes a main system data processing unit 311 and a main system optical transmission unit 312. The slave system unit 320 includes a slave system data processing unit 321 and a slave system optical transmission unit 322.

[0024] The transmission unit 340 is specifically a synthesizer. The transmission unit 340 is connected to the optical receiving unit 121, the main optical transmitting unit 312, and the secondary optical transmitting unit 322 using optical fibers. A passive circuit is used in the transmission section 340.

[0025] ***Explanation of operation*** The operating procedure of communication device 100 corresponds to the communication method. The operating procedures of the route switching device 200 and the route switching device 300 correspond to the route switching method.

[0026] Based on Figure 4, the communication method during reception will be explained. The communication method during reception is carried out by the receiving unit 110 and the route switching device 200.

[0027] The control unit 240 monitors the status of the main system unit 220 and the secondary system unit 230. Specifically, the control unit 240 monitors the status of the main system data processing unit 222 and the secondary system data processing unit 232. For example, the state is determined based on an increase in current due to radiation or the output of an anomaly detection circuit inside the processor.

[0028] In step S101, the receiving unit 110 receives an optical signal transmitted from another communication device.

[0029] The optical signal is received as follows: Another communication device transmits an optical signal, and this optical signal is input to the optical input unit 111. The optical input unit 111 detects an optical signal. The optical transmission unit 112 transmits the detected optical signal to the path switching device 200. Specifically, the detected optical signal is transmitted to the transmission unit 210.

[0030] In step S102, the transmission unit 210 transmits the received optical signal to the main system unit 220 and the secondary system unit 230, respectively. Specifically, the transmission unit 210 receives an optical signal from the optical transmission unit 112, duplicates the received optical signal, and transmits the optical signal to the main optical receiving unit 221 and the secondary optical receiving unit 231, respectively.

[0031] In step S103, the control unit 240 checks the status of the main system unit 220. Specifically, the control unit 240 checks the status of the main system data processing unit 222. If the main system unit 220 is in a normal state, the process proceeds to step S104. If the main system unit 220 is in an abnormal state, the process proceeds to step S105.

[0032] In step S104, the control unit 240 instructs the main system unit 220 to perform data processing. The main system unit 220 performs data processing based on the transmitted optical signal.

[0033] Data processing is performed as follows: The transmitted optical signal is input to the main optical receiving unit 221 and the secondary optical receiving unit 231, respectively. The main optical receiving unit 221 detects the transmitted optical signal, converts the detected optical signal into an electrical signal, and transmits the resulting electrical signal to the main data processing unit 222. The main system data processing unit 222 receives an electrical signal from the main system optical receiving unit 221 and performs data processing using the data contained in the received electrical signal. The slave optical receiver 231 detects the transmitted optical signal, converts the detected optical signal into an electrical signal, and transmits the resulting electrical signal to the slave data processing unit 232. However, if the slave data processing unit 232 is operating, the control unit 240 instructs the slave data processing unit 232 to stop its operation. In other words, the control unit 240 prevents the slave data processing unit 232 from performing data processing. After this, the slave data processing unit 232 enters a standby state.

[0034] After step S104, the process proceeds to step S101.

[0035] In step S105, the control unit 240 instructs the slave unit 230 to perform data processing. The slave unit 230 performs data processing based on the transmitted optical signal.

[0036] Data processing is performed as follows: If the dependent data processing unit 232 is in standby mode, the control unit 240 instructs the dependent data processing unit 232 to start operation. The transmitted optical signal is input to the slave optical receiver 231 and the master optical receiver 221, respectively. The slave optical receiver 231 detects the transmitted optical signal, converts the detected optical signal into an electrical signal, and transmits the resulting electrical signal to the slave data processing unit 232. The slave data processing unit 232 receives an electrical signal from the slave optical receiving unit 231 and performs data processing using the data contained in the received electrical signal. The main optical receiver 221 detects the transmitted optical signal, converts the detected optical signal into an electrical signal, and transmits the resulting electrical signal to the main data processing unit 222. However, if the main data processing unit 222 is operating, the control unit 240 instructs the main data processing unit 222 to stop its operation. In other words, the control unit 240 prevents the main data processing unit 222 from performing data processing. Then, to restore the main data processing unit 222 to a normal state, the control unit 240 restarts the main data processing unit 222. As a result, data processing after an anomaly is detected in the main data processing unit 222 is performed by the secondary data processing unit 232. In other words, the data processing that was being performed by the main data processing unit 222 is continued by the secondary data processing unit 232.

[0037] After step S105, the process proceeds to step S101.

[0038] Based on Figure 5, the communication method during transmission will be explained. The communication method during transmission is carried out by the transmitting unit 120 and the route switching device 300.

[0039] The control unit 330 monitors the status of the main system unit 310 and the secondary system unit 320. Specifically, the control unit 330 monitors the status of the main system data processing unit 311 and the secondary system data processing unit 321.

[0040] In step S111, the control unit 330 checks the status of the main system unit 310. Specifically, the control unit 330 checks the status of the main system data processing unit 311. If the main system unit 310 is in a normal state, the process proceeds to step S112. If the main system unit 310 is in an abnormal state, the process proceeds to step S113.

[0041] In step S112, the control unit 330 causes the main system unit 310 to output an optical signal based on data processing. The main system unit 310 performs data processing and outputs an optical signal based on the data processing. The optical signal output from the main system unit 310 is input to the transmission unit 340.

[0042] The optical signal based on the data processing is output as follows: The main data processing unit 311 performs data processing and transmits an electrical signal containing the obtained data to the main optical transmission unit 312. The main optical transmission unit 312 receives an electrical signal from the main data processing unit 311, converts the received electrical signal into an optical signal, and outputs the resulting optical signal. The optical signal output from the main optical transmission unit 312 is input to the transmission unit 340. If the slave system unit 320 is operating, the control unit 330 instructs the slave system unit 320 to stop its operation. In other words, the control unit 330 stops the operation of both the slave data processing unit 321 and the slave optical transmission unit 322. The slave data processing unit 321 stops data processing. The slave optical transmission unit 322 stops emitting light and goes out. By stopping the operation of the secondary optical transmitter 322, the optical signal from the secondary optical transmitter 322 to the transmission unit 340 does not collide with the optical signal from the main optical transmitter 312 to the transmission unit 340.

[0043] After step S112, the process proceeds to step S114.

[0044] In step S113, the control unit 330 causes the slave unit 320 to output an optical signal based on data processing. The slave unit 320 performs data processing and outputs an optical signal based on the data processing. The optical signal output from the sub-system unit 320 is input to the transmission unit 340.

[0045] The optical signal based on the data processing is output as follows: If the slave system unit 320 is in standby mode, the control unit 330 issues an instruction to the slave system unit 320 to start operation. The subordinate data processing unit 321 performs data processing and transmits an electrical signal containing the obtained data to the subordinate optical transmission unit 322. The slave optical transmission unit 322 receives an electrical signal from the slave data processing unit 321, converts the received electrical signal into an optical signal, and outputs the resulting optical signal. The optical signal output from the slave optical transmission unit 322 is input to the transmission unit 340. If the main system unit 310 is operating, the control unit 330 instructs the main system unit 310 to stop its operation. In other words, the control unit 330 stops the operation of both the main system data processing unit 311 and the main system optical transmission unit 312. The main system data processing unit 311 stops data processing. The main system optical transmission unit 312 stops emitting light and goes out. Then, in order to return the main system data processing unit 311 to its normal state, the control unit 330 restarts the main system data processing unit 311. By stopping the operation of the main optical transmission unit 312, the optical signal from the main optical transmission unit 312 to the transmission unit 340 does not collide with the optical signal from the secondary optical transmission unit 322 to the transmission unit 340.

[0046] After step S113, the process proceeds to step S114.

[0047] In step S114, the transmission unit 340 transmits the optical signal output from either the main system unit 310 or the secondary system unit 320 to the transmission unit 120. Specifically, the transmission unit 340 combines the optical signal output from the main optical transmission unit 312 and the optical signal output from the secondary optical transmission unit 322, and transmits the resulting optical signal to the optical receiving unit 121. As a result, if the state of the main data processing unit 311 is normal, the optical signal output from the main optical transmission unit 312 is transmitted to the optical receiving unit 121. If the state of the main data processing unit 311 is abnormal, the optical signal output from the secondary optical transmission unit 322 is transmitted to the optical receiving unit 121. In other words, only the optical signal from either the main unit 310 or the secondary unit 320 is transmitted.

[0048] In step S115, the transmitting unit 120 transmits the transmitted optical signal to another communication device.

[0049] The optical signal is transmitted as follows: The optical receiving unit 121 receives the optical signal transmitted from the transmission unit 340. The optical output unit 122 outputs the received optical signal. The optical signal output from the optical output unit 122 is transmitted to other communication devices.

[0050] ***Description of the Example*** The communication device 100 may consist of only one of the following sets: a set of a receiving unit 110 and a route switching device 200, or a set of a transmitting unit 120 and a route switching device 300.

[0051] The communication device 100 may include elements other than the receiving unit 110, the route switching device 200, the transmitting unit 120, and the route switching device 300. These elements operate independently of the receiving unit 110, the route switching device 200, the transmitting unit 120, and the route switching device 300.

[0052] The communication device 100 may include multiple optical input units 111. The communication device 100 may include multiple slave units 230. If an abnormality is detected in the main unit 220, the control unit 240 causes one of the normal slave units 230 to perform data processing. The number of main system units 220 and the number of secondary system units 230 can be arbitrarily selected.

[0053] The communication device 100 may include multiple optical output units 122. The communication device 100 may include a plurality of slave units 320. If an abnormality is detected in the main unit 310, the control unit 330 causes one of the normal slave units 320 to output an optical signal based on data processing. The number of main system units 310 and the number of secondary system units 320 can be arbitrarily selected.

[0054] ***Effects of Embodiment 1*** Embodiment 1 makes it possible to reliably utilize state-of-the-art ground-based components in satellite-borne equipment. As a result, it becomes possible to increase the transmission capacity of satellite communications.

[0055] ***Summary of Embodiment 1*** Embodiment 1 discloses a communication device, a communication path switching device in the communication device, and a communication path switching method in the communication device. The communication device functions as a transmitting station, a receiving station, or a relay station.

[0056] Embodiment 1 has the following features. The distribution and combining section (210, 340) uses optical fibers capable of high-speed serial transmission and photocouplers, which are passive circuits. The control unit instructs which system should operate. This enables redundant switching.

[0057] The communication device is equipped with a route switching device. The route switching device comprises two or more data processing units, two or more optical receiving units or two or more optical transmitting units, a distribution / combining unit, and a control unit. The control unit switches between the primary and secondary systems of the data processing unit by selecting either an input from or an output to the distribution / combination unit, depending on the state of the data processing unit.

[0058] The control unit stops the abnormal data processing unit and issues an instruction for the data output from the distribution unit (210) to be processed by the normal data processing unit.

[0059] The control unit stops the abnormal data processing unit, stops the light emission of the optical transmitter connected to the data processing unit that is being stopped, and causes the optical transmitter connected to the normal data processing unit to emit light. As a result, only the signal from the normal data processing unit is input to the combining unit (340).

[0060] The control unit restarts the data processing unit that is in an abnormal state, thereby enabling the switching between the primary and secondary systems again.

[0061] ***Supplement to Embodiment 1*** Each element of the communication device 100, referred to as a "part," is configured as a circuit or a device. However, multiple elements may be configured as a single circuit or a single device.

[0062] Figure 6 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the elements of the communication device 100. The elements of the communication device 100 include a processing circuit 101, an input interface 102, and an output interface 103. The processing circuit 101 may be dedicated hardware, or it may be a processor that executes a program stored in memory. If the processing circuit 101 is dedicated hardware, the processing circuit 101 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof. A processor is an arithmetic circuit. Specific examples of processors are CPUs and DSPs. Memory is a type of storage device that can be either volatile or non-volatile. Specific examples of memory include RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, EEPROM, semiconductor memory, magnetic disks, flexible disks, optical disks, compact disks, minidiscs, and DVDs. ASIC is an abbreviation for Application Specific Integrated Circuit. FPGA is an abbreviation for Field Programmable Gate Array. CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. DSP is an abbreviation for Digital Signal Processor. RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory. ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. EPROM is an abbreviation for Erasable Programmable ROM. EEPROM is an abbreviation for Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM. DVD is an abbreviation for Digital Versatile Disk.

[0063] In the processing circuit 101, some functions may be implemented by dedicated hardware, while the remaining functions may be implemented by software or firmware.

[0064] The word "part" in each element of the communication device 100 may be read as "processing," "process," "circuit," or "circuit."

[0065] Embodiment 1 is an example of a preferred form and is not intended to limit the technical scope of this disclosure. Embodiment 1 may be implemented in part or in combination with other forms. The procedure described using flowcharts, etc., may be modified as appropriate.

[0066] The various aspects of this disclosure are described below as appendices. (Note 1) A transmission unit that transmits optical signals received by a communication device, Two or more system units for performing data processing based on transmitted optical signals, A control unit that causes one of the two or more system units to perform the data processing according to the state of the two or more system units, A route switching device equipped with the following features.

[0067] (Note 2) The main system unit is the system unit among the two or more system units that performs the data processing. A subordinate system is a system that is different from the main system among the two or more system systems. If the control unit detects an abnormality in the main system unit, it will cause the slave system unit to perform the data processing after the detection of the abnormality in the main system unit. Route switching device as described in Appendix 1.

[0068] (Note 3) Each of the two or more system components is An optical receiving unit that receives the transmitted optical signal and converts it into an electrical signal, A data processing unit that performs the data processing using the data contained in the electrical signal, Equipped with Route switching device as described in Appendix 1.

[0069] (Note 4) The main system data processing unit is the data processing unit that performs the data processing among the two or more data processing units of the two or more system units. A dependent data processing unit is a data processing unit that is separate from the primary data processing unit among the two or more data processing units. If the control unit detects an abnormality in the main data processing unit, it will cause the secondary data processing unit to perform the data processing after the detection of the abnormality in the main data processing unit. Route switching device as described in Appendix 3.

[0070] (Note 5) The control unit restarts the main data processing unit after detecting the abnormality in the main data processing unit, thereby restoring the main data processing unit to a normal state. Route switching device as described in Appendix 4.

[0071] (Note 6) The control unit causes the primary data processing unit to perform the data processing after the primary data processing unit has been restarted, instead of the secondary data processing unit. Route switching device as described in Appendix 5.

[0072] (Note 7) The transmission unit transmits the optical signal to each of the two or more system units via optical fiber using a passive circuit. A route switching device as described in any one of the appendices 1 through 6.

[0073] (Note 8) A route switching device described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 7, used for the aforementioned communications equipment mounted on a spacecraft.

[0074] (Note 9) The optical signal received by the communication device is transmitted to each of two or more system units. Depending on the state of the two or more system units, one of the two or more system units is instructed to perform data processing based on the transmitted optical signal. Route switching method.

[0075] (Note 10) The receiving unit receives an optical signal transmitted from another communication device. A transmission unit that transmits the received optical signal, Two or more system units for performing data processing based on transmitted optical signals, A control unit that causes one of the two or more system units to perform the data processing according to the state of the two or more system units, A communication device equipped with the following features.

[0076] (Note 11) Two or more system units for performing data processing and outputting optical signals based on the data processing, A control unit that causes the optical signal to be output to any of the two or more system units according to the state of the two or more system units, A transmission unit that transmits the optical signal output from one of the two or more system units in order to transmit the optical signal based on the data processing from the communication device, A route switching device equipped with the following features.

[0077] (Note 12) The main system unit is the system unit among the two or more system units that outputs the optical signal. A subordinate system is a system that is different from the main system among the two or more system systems. If the control unit detects an abnormality in the main system unit, it will cause the slave system unit to output the optical signal after the abnormality in the main system unit has been detected. Route switching device as described in Appendix 11.

[0078] (Note 13) Each of the two or more system components is A data processing unit that performs the aforementioned data processing, An optical transmission unit that outputs the optical signal based on the data processing, Equipped with Route switching device as described in Appendix 11.

[0079] (Note 14) The main optical transmission unit is the optical transmission unit that outputs the optical signal among the two or more optical transmission units of the two or more system units. A secondary optical transmitting unit is an optical transmitting unit that is separate from the main optical transmitting unit among the two or more optical transmitting units. The main system data processing unit is the data processing unit corresponding to the main system optical transmission unit among the two or more data processing units of the two or more system units. If the control unit detects an abnormality in the main data processing unit, it will cause the secondary optical transmission unit to output the optical signal after the abnormality in the main data processing unit has been detected, instead of the main optical transmission unit. Route switching device as described in Appendix 13.

[0080] (Note 15) The control unit restarts the main data processing unit after detecting the abnormality in the main data processing unit, thereby restoring the main data processing unit to a normal state. Route switching device as described in Appendix 14.

[0081] (Note 16) The control unit causes the main optical transmission unit to output the optical signal after the main data processing unit has been restarted, instead of the slave optical transmission unit. Route switching device as described in Appendix 15.

[0082] (Note 17) The transmission unit receives the optical signals from each of the two or more system units via optical fiber using a passive circuit. A route switching device as described in any one of the appendices 11 to 16.

[0083] (Note 18) A route switching device according to any one of appendices 11 to 17, used for the aforementioned communications equipment mounted on a spacecraft.

[0084] (Note 19) Data processing is performed by each of two or more system units. Depending on the state of the two or more system units, an optical signal based on the data processing is output to one of the two or more system units. In order to transmit the optical signal based on the data processing from the communication device, the optical signal output from any of the two or more system units is transmitted. Route switching method.

[0085] (Note 20) Two or more system units for performing data processing and outputting optical signals based on the data processing, A control unit that causes the optical signal to be output to any of the two or more system units according to the state of the two or more system units, A transmission unit that transmits the optical signal output from one of the two or more system units, A transmitting unit that transmits the transmitted optical signal to another communication device, A communication device equipped with the following features. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 100 Communication device, 101 Processing circuit, 102 Input interface, 103 Output interface, 110 Receiving unit, 111 Optical input unit, 112 Optical transmission unit, 120 Transmission unit, 121 Optical receiving unit, 122 Optical output unit, 200 Route switching device, 210 Transmission unit, 220 Main system unit, 221 Main optical receiving unit, 222 Main data processing unit, 230 Sub-system unit, 231 Sub-system optical receiving unit, 232 Sub-system data processing unit, 240 Control unit, 300 Route switching device, 310 Main system unit, 311 Main data processing unit, 312 Main optical transmission unit, 320 Sub-system unit, 321 Sub-system data processing unit, 322 Sub-system optical transmission unit, 330 Control unit, 340 Transmission unit.

Claims

1. A transmission unit that transmits optical signals received by a communication device, Two or more system units for performing data processing based on transmitted optical signals, A control unit that causes one of the two or more system units to perform the data processing according to the state of the two or more system units, A route switching device equipped with, The main system unit is the system unit among the two or more system units that performs the data processing. A subordinate system is a system that is different from the main system among the two or more system systems. The control unit, Based on the increase in current in the main system, an abnormality in the main system is detected. If the abnormality in the main system is detected, the data processing after the detection of the abnormality in the main system is to be performed by the secondary system instead of the main system. After the abnormality in the main system is detected, the main system is restarted to restore it to a normal state. The data processing after the main system unit has been restarted is to be performed by the main system unit instead of the slave system unit. Route switching device.

2. Each of the two or more system components is An optical receiving unit that receives the transmitted optical signal and converts it into an electrical signal, A data processing unit that performs the data processing using the data contained in the electrical signal, Equipped with The route switching device according to claim 1.

3. The transmission unit transmits the optical signal to each of the two or more system units via optical fiber using a passive circuit. The route switching device according to claim 1.

4. A route switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, used for a communications device mounted on a spacecraft.

5. The control unit determines the state of the main system based on the current increase due to radiation or the output of the abnormality detection circuit inside the processor. The route switching device according to claim 4.

6. The optical signal received by the communication device is transmitted to each of two or more system units. Depending on the state of the two or more system units, one of the two or more system units is instructed to perform data processing based on the transmitted optical signal. This is a method for switching routes. The main system unit is the system unit among the two or more system units that performs the data processing. A subordinate system is a system that is different from the main system among the two or more system systems. Based on the increase in current in the main system, an abnormality in the main system is detected. If the abnormality in the main system is detected, the data processing after the detection of the abnormality in the main system is to be performed by the secondary system instead of the main system. After the abnormality in the main system is detected, the main system is restarted to restore it to a normal state. The data processing after the main system unit has been restarted is to be performed by the main system unit instead of the slave system unit. Route switching method.

7. The receiving unit receives an optical signal transmitted from another communication device. A transmission unit that transmits the received optical signal, Two or more system units for performing data processing based on transmitted optical signals, A control unit that causes one of the two or more system units to perform the data processing according to the state of the two or more system units, It is a communication device equipped with, The main system unit is the system unit among the two or more system units that performs the data processing. A subordinate system is a system that is different from the main system among the two or more system systems. The control unit, Based on the increase in current in the main system, an abnormality in the main system is detected. If the abnormality in the main system is detected, the data processing after the detection of the abnormality in the main system is to be performed by the secondary system instead of the main system. After the abnormality in the main system is detected, the main system is restarted to restore it to a normal state. The data processing after the main system unit has been restarted is to be performed by the main system unit instead of the slave system unit. Communication device.

8. Two or more system units for performing data processing and outputting optical signals based on the data processing, A control unit that causes the optical signal to be output to any of the two or more system units according to the state of the two or more system units, A transmission unit that transmits the optical signal output from one of the two or more system units in order to transmit the optical signal based on the data processing from the communication device, A route switching device equipped with, The main system unit is the system unit among the two or more system units that outputs the optical signal. A subordinate system is a system that is different from the main system among the two or more system systems. The control unit, Based on the increase in current in the main system, an abnormality in the main system is detected. If the abnormality in the main system is detected, the output of the optical signal from the main system after the abnormality was detected is to be performed by the slave system instead of the main system. After the abnormality in the main system is detected, the main system is restarted to restore it to a normal state. The output of the optical signal after the main system unit has been restarted is to be performed by the main system unit instead of the slave system unit. Route switching device.

9. Each of the two or more system components is A data processing unit that performs the aforementioned data processing, An optical transmission unit that outputs the optical signal based on the data processing, Equipped with The route switching device according to claim 8.

10. The transmission unit receives the optical signals from each of the two or more system units via optical fiber using a passive circuit. The route switching device according to claim 8.

11. A route switching device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, used for a communications device mounted on a spacecraft.

12. Data processing is performed by each of two or more system units. Depending on the state of the two or more system units, an optical signal based on the data processing is output to one of the two or more system units. In order to transmit the optical signal based on the data processing from the communication device, the optical signal output from any of the two or more system units is transmitted. This is a method for switching routes. The main system unit is the system unit among the two or more system units that outputs the optical signal. A subordinate system is a system that is different from the main system among the two or more system systems. Based on the increase in current in the main system, an abnormality in the main system is detected. If the abnormality in the main system is detected, the output of the optical signal from the main system after the abnormality was detected is to be performed by the slave system instead of the main system. After the abnormality in the main system is detected, the main system is restarted to restore it to a normal state. The output of the optical signal after the main system unit has been restarted is to be performed by the main system unit instead of the slave system unit. Route switching method.

13. Two or more system units for performing data processing and outputting optical signals based on the data processing, A control unit that causes the optical signal to be output to any of the two or more system units according to the state of the two or more system units, A transmission unit that transmits the optical signal output from one of the two or more system units, A transmitting unit that transmits the transmitted optical signal to another communication device, It is a communication device equipped with, The main system unit is the system unit among the two or more system units that outputs the optical signal. A subordinate system is a system that is different from the main system among the two or more system systems. The control unit, Based on the increase in current in the main system, an abnormality in the main system is detected. If the abnormality in the main system is detected, the output of the optical signal from the main system after the abnormality was detected is to be performed by the slave system instead of the main system. After the abnormality in the main system is detected, the main system is restarted to restore it to a normal state. The output of the optical signal after the main system unit has been restarted is to be performed by the main system unit instead of the slave system unit. Communication device.

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