A664P7-TSN Packet Mapping Gateway for Mixed Aircraft Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft networks transitioning from ARINC 664 Part 7 (A664P7) to Time-Sensitive Network (TSN) face incompatibility issues as A664P7 data packets cannot be processed by TSN systems and vice versa, lacking systems to convert or map between these formats.
Innovation Solution
A gateway system with an A664P7-TSN switch that includes a data mapper, integrity adder, and integrity checker to convert A664P7 data packets to TSN packets and vice versa, ensuring compatibility and integrity through sequence values, timestamps, and checksums.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If aircraft networks transition from ARINC 664 Part 7 to Time-Sensitive Network, then network performance and timing precision are improved, but compatibility between different data transmission formats deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between A664P7 and TSN networks. This gateway contains packet converters that translate A664P7 data packets into TSN data packets and vice versa, enabling compatibility between the two different data transmission formats while allowing the network to benefit from TSN's superior timing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway device is designed to handle multiple data formats (both A664P7 and TSN) simultaneously, making it universally compatible with different network protocols. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain support for legacy A664P7 systems while transitioning to the more advanced TSN standard
2Adaptability or versatility
If data packets are converted between different transmission formats, then compatibility is improved, but data integrity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device implements integrity checking mechanisms that verify data packets during the conversion process between A664P7 and TSN formats. This feedback system detects and corrects potential data corruption, ensuring that data integrity is maintained despite the format transformation
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates error detection and correction capabilities that prepare for potential data integrity issues before they occur. By implementing preventive measures during the conversion process, the system cushions against potential data corruption that could arise from format translation
3Adaptability or versatility
If legacy A664P7 components are supported in a TSN network, then system adaptability is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device segments the network into distinct zones: one handling A664P7 traffic and another handling TSN traffic. This segmentation allows legacy A664P7 components to coexist with modern TSN infrastructure without requiring the entire network to be upgraded, thereby managing complexity while maintaining adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to mapping data packets between an ARINC 664 Part 7 (A664P7) data format and a Time-Sensitive Network (TSN) data format. In one embodiment, a method includes, in response to receiving a first data packet in a first data transmission format from a first data end system, forming a second data packet in a second data transmission format based on the first data packet. The first data end system is capable of transmitting and receiving data packets in the first data transmission format. The first data transmission format is one of A664P7 data format and TSN data format and the second data transmission format is the other of A664P7 data format and TSN data format. The method further includes transmitting the second data packet to a second data end system that is capable of receiving data packets in the second data transmission format.