System for data communication on board aircraft and aircraft

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (100) for data communication via the low-voltage network (10) of an aircraft (1), comprising at least one transmitter (102) connectable to the low-voltage network (10) and a receiver (101) connectable to the low-voltage network (10), wherein the transmitter (101) and the receiver (102) are configured for data communication by means of a single pulse over a bandwidth of at least 100 MHz. The invention further relates to an aircraft (1) comprising a low-voltage network (10), wherein the low-voltage network (10) is equipped with a system (100) according to the invention.

Description

[0001] 12.02.2026 / BR

[0002] System for data communication on board aircraft and aircraft

[0003]

[0001] The invention relates to a system for data communication on board aircraft and to an aircraft comprising such a system.

[0004]

[0002] On board aircraft, especially commercial aircraft with a passenger cabin, various components that are not critical for the actual flight are connected to a data network in addition to a power supply connection in order to exchange control and status information. For example, the passenger service units (PSUs) or seat control modules, which are regularly located above passenger seats and often include control elements for separately arranged reading lights and / or a call button for the cabin crew, are connected to a data network via dedicated data lines. This network allows, for example, control information for controlling the reading lights or call messages to the cabin crew to be transmitted. A control unit accessible to the cabin crew is also connected to the data network and is designed to transmit control information or...To receive call messages and implement them appropriately.

[0005]

[0003] A disadvantage of this prior art is that even for components that typically only rarely exchange small amounts of data over the data network, suitable dedicated data lines must be provided, which means additional weight in addition to the power supply lines that are also required.

[0006]

[0004] Solutions known from vehicle technology, but also from home automation, for data transfer via power supply lines, which would eliminate the need for additional data lines, are unsuitable for aircraft because these technologies do not meet the limits for electromagnetic interference induced into the power supply network that must be observed in aircraft.

[0007]

[0005] EP 3 499 733 Bl describes data communication via power supply lines for aircraft, in which the data transmission with a bandwidth of less than 100 MHz is adapted to the properties and shielding of the power supply lines in order to comply with electromagnetic compatibility. However, without suitable shielding, data transmission according to EP 3 499 733 Bl will not be able to comply with the limits for electromagnetic interference on board aircraft.

[0008]

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a system for data communication via the low-voltage network of an aircraft and an aircraft with such a system, in which the disadvantages of the prior art no longer occur or only occur to a lesser extent.

[0009]

[0007] This problem is solved by a system according to claim 1 and an aircraft according to claim 8. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010]

[0008] Accordingly, the invention relates to a system for data communication via the low-voltage network of an aircraft, comprising at least one transmitter and one receiver connectable to the low-voltage network, wherein the transmitter and receiver are configured for data communication via individual pulses distributed over a frequency range with a bandwidth of at least 100 MHz.

[0009] Furthermore, the invention relates to an aircraft comprising a low-voltage network, wherein the low-voltage network is equipped with a system according to the invention.

[0011]

[0010] It is known that in “powerline communication” (PLC) – i.e., data communication via electrical lines in a low-voltage network – orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) methods with a sufficient signal strength are used, as is known from automotive engineering and home automation. The invention recognizes that, even though these transmission methods can enable a fairly high data rate, they introduce electromagnetic interference into the low-voltage network, which, while acceptable for vehicle systems and home automation, is significantly higher than the limits prescribed for aircraft.

[0012]

[0011] The invention therefore proposes to utilize concepts of ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, primarily known from wireless communication, for communication via low-voltage networks on board aircraft. With UWB technology, a very low transmission power is distributed over a broad spectrum, so that the signal can still be received and processed by specially designed receivers, but otherwise hardly distinguishable from the background noise. Consequently, only very low levels of electromagnetic interference occur, in any case only to an extent that is harmless even for aircraft. No special shielding is required. Rather, any existing power supply lines can be used.

[0013]

[0012] The individual pulses used for data communication are preferably generated by pulse phase modulation, polarity change and / or amplitude change. Such individual pulses can be easily implemented in low-voltage networks with alternating current or direct current.

[0014]

[0013] Preferably the bandwidth is at least 200 MHz, at least 400 MHz, at least 500 MHz or at least

[0015] 600 MHz. With a larger bandwidth, the area over which a transmitter's power is distributed increases. Consequently, the risk of electromagnetic interference in narrowband areas within the bandwidth is further reduced.

[0016]

[0014] It is preferred if the transmitter and receiver for data communication are designed with symmetrical signal transmission. This type of signal transmission is particularly helpful with so-called "twisted-pair cables" with two identical, intertwined conductors or strands, as are frequently used in low-voltage networks, in order to transmit signals without interference over longer distances. The actual user signal is transmitted via one conductor of the wire pair, while a reference signal is transmitted via the other conductor. The influence of coupling along the line on the user signal is also reflected in the reference signal, so that by calculating the difference between the user signal and the reference signal, any interference can be (almost) eliminated.

[0017]

[0015] It is preferred if the transmitter and receiver of the system are designed for low-voltage networks of 28 V DC or 115 V AC. Such low-voltage networks are typical for aircraft, especially commercial aircraft.

[0018]

[0016] The system according to the invention is particularly suitable for connecting components that only need to exchange manageable amounts of data on a regular basis. For example, it is preferred if at least one transmitter is assigned to a passenger service module and / or a single switch intended for operation by passengers. These components only need to transmit small amounts of data on a regular basis as a result of operation, e.g., by a passenger, such as information when a switch has been actuated. In order to be able to process such information, at least one receiver of the system can be assigned to, for example, a cabin management module. A component that can be directly controlled by a switch, such as a reading light, can also be assigned to a suitable receiver. It is possible that a transmitter and / or a receiver is designed as a separate unit that is connected to the component to which it is assigned.However, it is preferred if the transmitter and / or receiver are directly integrated into the associated component.

[0019]

[0017] It is preferred if at least one transmitter and / or receiver is configured as a transceiver. A component that basically only needs to be configured to send data can thus, for example, receive status information and output it appropriately. A component that basically only needs to be configured as a receiver can send corresponding status information.

[0020]

[0018] For an explanation of the aircraft according to the invention, reference is made to the preceding statements.

[0021]

[0019] The aircraft is preferably a commercial aircraft with a passenger cabin. At least one transmitter and / or receiver of the system is arranged in the passenger cabin and preferably connected to a component intended for a passenger, such as a passenger service module.

[0020] Transmitters and / or receivers can be connected to the low-voltage network at various points. In particular, transmitters and / or receivers can advantageously be provided at power distribution nodes, serving as a bridge to a dedicated data network. For example, a data-intensive part of the components on board, such as those of the in-flight entertainment system (IFE system), can be interconnected via a dedicated data network, while other components, such as passenger service modules, are connected via a system according to the invention.By creating a transition between the networks located on board an aircraft, the different components can be managed by a unified cabin management system.

[0022]

[0021] The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to an advantageous embodiment and the accompanying drawing. It shows:

[0023] Figure 1: a schematic view of the passenger cabin of an aircraft according to the invention comprising a system according to the invention.

[0024]

[0022] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of an aircraft 1 according to the invention. The aircraft 1 is a passenger aircraft, of which only a part of the passenger cabin 2 is shown.

[0025]

[0023] The passenger cabin 2 has several rows of seats 3 with passenger seats 4. Monitor units 5 with headphone jacks for the passenger sitting in the seat 4 behind are arranged in the backrests of the passenger seats 4. Passenger support units (PSUs) are arranged above the passenger seats 4. These PSUs include switchable reading lights, call buttons, and switchable warning symbols, such as a no-smoking sign and a seatbelt sign.

[0026]

[0024] The passenger service modules 6 are connected to a cabin management module 7, which includes, among other things, a display and optionally an acoustic signal generator. The cabin management module 7 allows the cabin crew to control various cabin functions and also inform them which passenger has pressed the call button on the passenger service module 6 assigned to their seat.

[0027]

[0025] In addition, a media server 8 is provided, which makes available the media playable on the monitor units 5, e.g. films and audio data .

[0028]

[0026] The various components 5-8 are connected to a low-voltage network 10 (shown in solid lines) for power supply. The low-voltage network 10 in the passenger cabin 2 area has a power distribution node 11, through which the electrical energy originating from a higher-level onboard power supply network 12 is distributed to the components 5-8 via the low-voltage network 10. The low-voltage network 10 is operated with 115 V AC. Alternatively, a low-voltage network 10 with 28 V DC is also possible.

[0029]

[0027] Components 6-8 are further connected to a data network 20 with dedicated data lines (shown as dashed lines). Media data from the media server 8 and the individual monitor units 5 are transmitted via the data network 20. Information and control commands from the cabin management module 7 can also be transmitted to the monitor units 5 or other units in the passenger cabin 2 (not shown), such as the cabin lighting or air conditioning controls. The data network 20 is also connected to a higher-level data network 22, via which, for example, control commands from the aircraft cockpit can be transmitted to the cabin management module 7.

[0030]

[0028] A system 100 according to the invention is provided for connecting the passenger supply modules 6 to the data network 20 and in particular to the cabin management module 7.

[0031]

[0029] The system 100 comprises a receiver 101 arranged in the power distribution node 11 and connected on one side to the data network 20 and on the other side to the low-voltage network 10. The passenger supply modules 6 are each connected to the low-voltage network 10 via a transmitter 102. Both receiver 101 and transmitter 102 are further developed into transceivers, although for the sake of clarity the designations receiver 101 and transmitter 102 are retained.

[0032]

[0030] The receiver 101 and the transmitters 102 are designed for data communication via the low-voltage network 10 using single pulses over a bandwidth of approximately 500 MHz. In other words, the receiver 101 and transmitter 102 can communicate with each other via the lines of the low-voltage network 10 according to the principle of ultra-wideband technology. The required single pulses are introduced into the low-voltage network 10 by pulse phase modulation, resulting in no relevant electromagnetic interference that would exceed the limits applicable to aircraft 1.

[0033]

[0031] When a passenger presses the call button on the passenger supply module 6 assigned to their seat, a corresponding signal is fed into the low-voltage network 10 by the transmitter 102 of the passenger supply module 6. This signal is detected by the receiver 101 and forwarded via the data network 20 to the cabin management module 7, where it is then communicated to the cabin crew in a known manner. In this specific application example, the receiver 101 can also be assigned to the cabin management module 7 instead of the power distribution node 11.

[0034]

[0032] Due to the design of Receiver 101 and Transmitter 102 each as transceivers, it is also possible to transmit control signals in the opposite direction. For example, a control signal used to switch the seatbelt sign on or off at the passenger supply modules 6 can be transmitted from the cabin management module 7 or a system connected via the higher-level data network 22, e.g., in the cockpit, via the system 100 to the passenger supply modules 6 and processed accordingly there.

[0035]

[0033] It is also possible to control the reading lights provided in the passenger module 6 (also) via the monitor units 5: For this purpose, a suitable control element can be displayed on a monitor unit 5 and operated by a passenger if required, whereupon a suitable control signal is transmitted via the data network 20 and then via the system 100 to the passenger supply module 6 and appropriately converted there.

Claims

Patent claims 1. System ( 100) for data communication via the low-voltage network ( 10) of an aircraft ( 1 ) comprising at least one transmitter ( 102 ) connectable to the low-voltage network ( 10) and one receiver ( 101 ) connectable to the low-voltage network ( 10 ), wherein transmitter ( 101 ) and receiver ( 102 ) are designed for data communication via individual pulses distributed over a frequency range with a bandwidth of at least 100 MHz.

2. System according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that A single pulse can be represented by pulse phase modulation, polarity change and / or amplitude change.

3. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the bandwidth is at least 200 MHz, at least 400 MHz, at least 500 MHz or at least 600 MHz.

4. System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that Transmitter ( 101 ) and receiver ( 102 ) are designed for data communication with symmetrical signal transmission.

5. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that Transmitter ( 102 ) and receiver ( 101 ) are designed for low voltage networks ( 10) of 28 V DC or 115 V AC.

6. System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that at least one transmitter ( 102 ) is assigned to a passenger supply module ( 6 ) and / or to a single switch intended for operation by passengers and / or at least one receiver ( 101 ) is assigned to a cabin management module ( 7 ).

7. System according to one of the preceding claims , characterized by the fact that at least one transmitter ( 102 ) and / or receiver ( 101 ) is further developed into a transceiver .

8. Aircraft ( 1 ) comprising a low-voltage network ( 10 ) wherein the low-voltage network ( 10 ) is equipped with a system ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims .

9. Aircraft according to claim 8 , characterized by the fact that the aircraft ( 1 ) is a passenger aircraft with a passenger cabin ( 2 ) wherein at least one transmitter ( 102 ) and / or receiver ( 103 ) is arranged in the area of ​​the passenger cabin ( 2 ).

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