Decentralized Data Acquisition in AFDX Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current avionics data acquisition methods in AFDX networks are complex and expensive, requiring centralized units that need hardware reconfiguration and dedicated ports, limiting network flexibility and scalability.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a decentralized data acquisition system within each AFDX switch, where a data acquisition application locally stores and manages data from virtual links, allowing flexible management and acquisition without reconfiguring interfaces or monopolizing switch ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a centralized data acquisition unit is used to acquire avionics data from the AFDX network, then data acquisition functionality is provided, but the system complexity increases and requires hardware reconfiguration and dedicated ports
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized data acquisition function into distributed data acquisition applications running on individual switches throughout the AFDX network. Each switch independently executes the data acquisition application, eliminating the need for a single centralized unit and its associated complexity while maintaining data acquisition functionality across the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables switches to perform data acquisition operations autonomously through locally executed applications. Each switch monitors and acquires data from virtual links passing through it without requiring external control from a centralized unit, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated ports are monopolized for data acquisition in centralized units, then data acquisition is enabled, but network scalability and flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes switch ports multi-functional by enabling them to handle both regular AFDX traffic and data acquisition operations simultaneously. The data acquisition application runs on existing switch infrastructure without requiring dedicated ports, allowing the same physical ports to serve multiple purposes and thereby improving network scalability.
3Ease of repair
If centralized units require hardware reconfiguration for each modification, then data acquisition is maintained, but maintainability and cost are adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic, software-based data acquisition configuration that can be modified without hardware reconfiguration. The data acquisition application can be updated, added, or removed through software changes on individual switches, eliminating the need for physical hardware modifications and thereby improving maintainability while reducing costs.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a frame switch in an AFDX network in which the data acquisition function is decentralized. When the switch needs to acquire data transmitted over a virtual link, the switching table contains, in addition to the input port and the output port(s) used by that link, an identifier representing the MAC address of the switch. The frames on this link are then not only switched but also transmitted to the network interface of the switch and processed by a dedicated application (DDA) hosted within the switch. This application can be queried by a remote server and transfer the data it has stored locally.