ACARS Communication Unit Emulating HF SATCOM via Ground Wireless
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ACARS radio communication systems face high communication costs due to reliance on SATCOM or VHF channels, especially in areas where VHF support is limited or costly, and the need for private networks.
Innovation Solution
A radio communication system with a communication management unit that includes emulating means to mimic HF or SATCOM equipment and wireless access for communication through a ground network like the Internet, allowing cost-effective communication by using existing interfaces and adding a communication unit with emulating and wireless access capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If SATCOM communication is used instead of VHF communication in areas with limited VHF support, then communication reliability is improved, but communication costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ground-based wireless access point as an intermediary between the aircraft and the ACARS ground centre. The communication unit in the aircraft communicates with this ground-based access point via wireless link, which then routes messages through public telecommunication networks to the ground centre. This intermediary approach allows the system to avoid expensive SATCOM while maintaining communication reliability through alternative pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication unit emulates the behavior and interface of traditional SATCOM or HF communication equipment when communicating with the aircraft's communication management unit. This emulation allows the system to present itself as a conventional communication equipment while actually using cost-effective ground-based wireless networks, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and cost.
2Adaptability or versatility
If private networks provided by Datalink Service Providers are used for VHF or SATCOM communication, then communication coverage is improved, but communication costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ground-based wireless access point can serve multiple functions: it acts as a communication gateway for ACARS messages, provides wireless connectivity to aircraft, and interfaces with public telecommunication networks. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated private networks while maintaining broad communication coverage through public infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses public telecommunication networks as an intermediary to replace expensive private Datalink Service Provider networks. The ground-based access point bridges the aircraft communication system and public networks, allowing cost-effective message routing while maintaining adaptability to various communication scenarios.
3Loss of energy
If a communication unit with emulating means and wireless access means is added to the aircraft, then communication costs are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication unit copies the interface and behavioral characteristics of existing SATCOM or HF communication equipment. By emulating standard communication protocols and interfaces, the new unit integrates seamlessly with the aircraft's existing communication management unit without requiring complex modifications to the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both an emulator of traditional communication equipment and a wireless access terminal. This consolidation of multiple functions into a single unit reduces overall system complexity compared to adding separate independent systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A radio communication system for ACARS messages exchange between an aircraft (2) and a ground center (20) includes in the aircraft a communication management unit (4) having a plurality of interfaces for connecting communication equipments among VHF, HF and SATCOM communication equipments (6, 10, 14), the communication equipments being adapted via respective bi-directional channels to each communicate independently with the ground center (20). The radio communication system further includes a communication unit (24) including emulating elements (44) for emulating a communication equipment when communicating with the communication management unit (4) and wireless access elements (50) for communication with a wireless access point (28) of a ground communication network (30).