Software-Selectable Aircraft Pin Multiplexing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current avionics systems have fixed pin-out designs, leaving no spare pins for new functions, requiring removal of existing signals to add new functions, resulting in separate hardware configurations and incompatible part numbers for different pin-out designs.

Innovation Solution

A software-configurable avionics system interface with configuration pins, a controller, and optocoupler switches that determine and switch between subcircuits based on received signals, allowing multiple pin-out designs to be supported without hardware changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed pin-out design is used, then each pin has a unique signal assignment, but no spare pins are available for new functions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavailability of spare pins for new functionsVSAvoidfixed pin-out design

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pin-out design transitions from fixed to dynamic through software configuration. Configuration pins receive voltage values that the controller interprets to determine different configuration modes, allowing the same physical pins to serve different functions based on software settings rather than hardware hardcoding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The aircraft pins are designed to perform multiple functions through software configuration. The same physical pin can be assigned to different signal functions depending on the configuration mode determined by the controller, eliminating the need for separate hardware configurations for different functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If signals are removed to add new functions, then new functions can be added, but separate hardware configurations and part numbers are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to add new functionsVSAvoidseparate hardware configurations

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single hardware configuration supports multiple pin-out designs through software configuration. The controller determines different configuration modes based on voltage values at configuration pins, allowing the same avionics system interface to support both old and new aircraft pin-out designs without requiring separate hardware versions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses voltage values at configuration pins as parameters to determine different configuration modes. By changing the voltage configuration rather than the hardware itself, the system can switch between different pin-out designs, eliminating the need for separate hardware configurations and part numbers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate hardware configurations are created, then compatibility with different pin-out designs is achieved, but compatibility between old and new designs is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple pin-out designsVSAvoidcompatibility between old and new designs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A single universal hardware configuration supports both old and new aircraft pin-out designs through software control. The controller interprets voltage values at configuration pins to determine which configuration mode to activate, ensuring the same hardware can reliably interface with different pin-out standards without requiring separate hardware versions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller acts as an intermediary between the physical pins and the signal interpretation layer. It receives voltage values from configuration pins, determines the appropriate configuration mode, and routes signals accordingly, allowing seamless compatibility between different pin-out designs through software mediation rather than hardware duplication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables flexible configuration of avionics systems to support multiple pin-out designs without the need for separate hardware configurations, ensuring compatibility and reducing part number incompatibilities.

Implementation Method 1

The switch includes an optocoupler

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptocoupling: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8855836B2Methods and systems for implementing software-selectable multipurpose aircraft pins

Publication Date: 2014.10.07 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

An avionics system configurable through software to support more than one pin-out design. An exemplary system includes configuration pins that receive one or more signals from an external source, one or more subcircuits, one or more multipurpose input/output pins, a controller that determines a configuration mode based on one or more received signals, and a selection circuit that connects one of the subcircuits with one or more of the multipurpose input/output pins, based on the determined configuration mode.