Aircraft BPL Modem Multiplexing Data Bus Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern aircraft with numerous electronic systems require extensive umbilical cables for functional testing, data bus monitoring, and sensor simulation, which are cumbersome and often necessitate additional components like bus repeaters and isolators due to long wire lengths.

Innovation Solution

An aircraft systems interface unit incorporating a multiplexer and a broadband over power line (BPL) modem that multiplexes data from multiple aircraft data buses, converts it into Ethernet packets, and transmits these packets over a power line, enabling efficient data transmission and extension of aircraft bus systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If extensive umbilical cables are used for data bus monitoring and functional testing, then data transmission between aircraft and ground stations is enabled, but the system complexity and cable length increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidcable length

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical cable-based data transmission system with a power line communication system. The BPL modem modulates data onto power line carriers, enabling communication through the electrical power distribution infrastructure already present in aircraft, thereby eliminating the need for extensive dedicated data cables.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables power lines to serve dual functions: delivering electrical power and transmitting data signals. By utilizing the existing power distribution network for both power and communication purposes, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated data cables, reducing overall cable length and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple wires are used for each bus interface in the umbilical cable, then comprehensive data bus monitoring is achieved, but the cable complexity and number of wires increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata bus monitoring capabilityVSAvoidnumber of wires

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables existing power lines to serve dual functions: delivering electrical power and transmitting data signals. By utilizing the existing power distribution network for both power and communication purposes, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated data cables, reducing overall cable length and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines power transmission and data communication functions into a single infrastructure—the power line distribution system. By merging these previously separate functions, the system reduces the total number of cables and wires needed, as the same physical medium carries both power and data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If bus repeaters and isolators are added to compensate for long wire lengths, then signal integrity is maintained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal integrityVSAvoidnumber of additional components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution reduces the complexity and cost of data transmission by using power lines for data communication, allowing for efficient data exchange between aircraft and ground stations, facilitating quicker maintenance and testing without the need for extensive cables and additional components.

Implementation Method 1

The BPL modem is configured to transmit data received from the multiplexer over a power line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBroadband over Power Line (BPL) modulation:

Data Source

PatentUS9306625B2Systems and methods for broadband over power line multiple interface devices and systems

Publication Date: 2016.04.05 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

An aircraft systems interface unit includes a multiplexer and a broadband over power line (BPL) modem. The multiplexer includes a plurality of inputs and an output for outputting data received through the plurality of inputs. Each input is configured for connection to at least one aircraft data bus. The BPL modem is coupled to the output of the multiplexer and configured to transmit data received from the multiplexer over a power line.