AFDX Frame Switching Device for Aircraft On-Board Equipment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing architecture for connecting on-board equipment to an AFDX network is heterogeneous, requiring conversion gateways and resulting in a complex setup with many switches and long wire connections, which is detrimental to the mass balance of aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A frame switching device that replicates frames on each port connected to on-board equipment, with periodic polling and input buffers to manage frame transmission, allowing direct connection to the AFDX network without conversion gateways, and using Ethernet links for connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conversion gateways are used to connect on-board equipment to AFDX network, then compatibility and data integrity are ensured, but device complexity and system heterogeneity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protocol conversion function from separate gateway devices and integrates it directly into the AFDX network switch. This allows the switch to natively handle both AFDX frames and fieldbus protocols, eliminating the need for external conversion gateways while maintaining data integrity and reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The AFDX network switch is designed with multi-functionality to directly support multiple fieldbus protocols (CAN, LIN, Arinc 429) in addition to AFDX networking. This universal capability allows the switch to act as both a network switch and a protocol converter, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If many switches are deployed to connect large number of on-board equipment, then connectivity is improved, but mass balance is deteriorated due to long wire connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple switch functions into a single centralized AFDX network switch that can handle both switching and protocol conversion. This consolidation reduces the number of discrete devices and wire connections needed, thereby improving mass balance while maintaining full connectivity through the unified switch architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If protocol conversion is performed through separate gateways, then compatibility is achieved, but transmission time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The AFDX network switch performs protocol conversion in advance as frames arrive, maintaining translation readiness and buffering mechanisms. This preliminary action allows the switch to handle conversions without adding significant transmission delays, as the conversion capability is pre-configured and immediately available when frames need translation.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame switching device for an AFDX network, the device including a first port, configured to be connected to a frame switch of the network or else to a terminal, for example a computer, and a plurality of second ports configured to be respectively connected to on-board pieces of equipment. Each frame incident on the first port is replicated on each of the second ports. The second ports are periodically polled in turn, each frame present on a second polled port being transferred onto the first port.