Aircraft Data Transmission via Phase Separated Power Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data transfer methods between aircraft and external networks are inefficient and insecure, relying on inconsistent wireless technologies that are limited by technical, business, and regulatory complexities, and fail to meet the growing demand for rapid and secure data exchange.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing an electrical power cable with multiple conductors to establish separate broadband over power line (BPL) communication channels, each operating on non-overlapping frequency bands, and a channel management unit to manage data domains and transmission packets based on security, priority, and availability, enabling secure and efficient data transfer without the need for RF shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless technologies are used for data transfer between aircraft and external networks, then data transmission can be performed without physical cables, but the transmission is limited by technical, business, and regulatory complexities and lacks consistency and security
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses existing electrical power cables as an intermediary medium to carry both power and data signals. The power cable infrastructure serves as a mediator between the aircraft and external networks, eliminating the need for separate wireless communication systems while providing reliable, consistent, and secure data transmission through the established physical connection.
2Reliability
If electrical power cables are used for data transmission, then secure and efficient data transfer is achieved, but interference between power and data signals may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical power cable into multiple independent conductors, with each conductor dedicated to a specific frequency band for data transmission. This segmentation allows different data streams to be transmitted simultaneously on different conductors without interfering with each other or with the power transmission, effectively isolating harmful interference through physical and frequency-based separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of data signals to match specific conductors' frequency bands. By assigning different frequency ranges to different conductors and using frequency modulation techniques, the system enables simultaneous power and data transmission on the same cable without signal interference, as each conductor operates at its designated frequency.
3Productivity
If multiple BPL communication channels are established through separate conductors, then data transfer rate is enhanced up to 500 Mbit/s, but the cable structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing electrical power cable multi-functional by enabling it to simultaneously transmit electrical power and multiple data signals through its multiple conductors. This universality allows the same cable infrastructure to serve both power delivery and high-speed data communication purposes, achieving enhanced data transfer rates without requiring separate dedicated data cables or increasing physical cable complexity.
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 method allows for simultaneous and secure data and power transmission using standard electrical power cables, minimizing interference and enhancing data transfer rates up to 500 Mbit/s, addressing the limitations of existing technologies by providing a robust and efficient data transfer solution.
Implementation Method 1
The cable includes multiple conductors interconnecting electrical components of the aircraft and the gate. Each conductor may be used to establish a separate broadband over power line (BPL) communication channel using its own frequency range
Implementation Method 2
Each conductor may be used to establish a separate broadband over power line (BPL) communication channel using its own frequency range that does not overlap with frequency ranges of any other channels
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3A
Figure 3B
AI summary
Provided are methods and systems for terrestrial data transmission between aircrafts and external networks connected to gates at airports. This type of data transmission is performed through an electrical power cable that includes multiple conductors interconnecting electrical components of an aircraft and a gate. Each conductor may be used to establish a separate broadband over power line (BPL) communication channel using its own frequency range that does not overlap with frequency ranges of other channels. As such, no radio frequency (RF) shielding is needed in the cable and any standard multi-conductor cable may be used. A channel management unit is used to control allocation of data domains among different communication channels depending on characteristics of the data domains, characteristics of the channels, and other factors. For example, one channel may be designated for secure data transfer of specific data domains, such as aircraft control data.