Aircraft Power-Line Communication Using Feeders and Frequency Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional aircraft power systems face challenges in reducing wiring complexity and ensuring reliable communication between line replaceable units (LRUs) and line replaceable modules (LRMs) while maintaining interference-free signal transmission.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing main feeders as communications busses for transmitting data and information between LRUs using different frequency ranges, allowing exclusive or redundant intercommunications between LRUs without interfering with primary power signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated communication lines are used between LRUs, then communication reliability is improved, but wiring complexity and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidwiring complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines power transmission and communication functions into a single feeder line system. Power at first frequency ranges and communication signals at second frequency ranges are transmitted simultaneously over the same feeder lines, eliminating the need for separate dedicated communication wiring between LRUs while maintaining communication reliability through frequency division multiplexing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The feeder lines are designed to serve multiple functions: they transmit both electrical power and communication signals. This multi-functionality allows the same infrastructure to support both power distribution and data communication between voltage regulators, protection elements, and other aircraft electrical components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate communication lines are provided for each LRU communication, then communication reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple communication channels are merged into a single feeder line infrastructure. By using frequency division multiplexing, the system combines multiple LRU communication signals on the same physical medium, significantly reducing the number of cables and connectors required during aircraft assembly and manufacturing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If feeder lines are used for both power and communication, then wiring is reduced, but signal interference may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiring complexityVSAvoidsignal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the frequency parameter to separate power and communication signals. Power transmission occurs at first frequency ranges while communication signals are transmitted at second frequency ranges that are substantially higher, creating frequency separation that prevents interference despite sharing the same physical medium

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Bandpass filters are introduced as intermediary components to selectively pass desired frequency ranges while blocking others. These filters ensure that power frequency signals do not interfere with communication signals and vice versa, maintaining signal integrity on the shared feeder lines

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If multiple LRUs communicate on the same bus, then wiring is reduced, but bus contention issues may arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiring complexityVSAvoidcommunication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses frequency division to allocate different frequency ranges to different LRUs or communication channels on the same bus. This parameter-based separation allows multiple LRUs to communicate simultaneously on the same physical medium without contention, as each LRU operates on its assigned frequency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Reduces aircraft wiring, enhances redundancy, and minimizes failure modes by enabling efficient, interference-free communication between LRUs using frequency modulation.

Implementation Method 1

each of the first and second LRUs includes a communications controller and a bandpass filter electrically interposed between a corresponding communications bus and the communications controller

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentEP3826193B1Power line communication for airplane.

Publication Date: 2026.04.15 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

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AI summary

A power system is provided and includes an electrical element, feeder lines (130, 430) by which the electrical element is receptive of first signals at first frequency ranges, first and second line replaceable units (LRUs) and first and second communications busses (160, 170) to couple the first and second LRUs to the feeder lines, respectively. The first and second LRUs are intercommunicative using second signals at second frequency ranges via the first and second communications busses and the feeder lines.