ARINC 429 to Ethernet Protocol Translator for Aircraft Communications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communications management systems (CMS) on aircraft lack the capability to interface with IP radios using the Ethernet protocol, limiting their ability to communicate effectively with broadband subnetworks that utilize standard Internet Protocol (IP).
Innovation Solution
A protocol translator system is introduced, comprising an ARINC 429 converter system, an Internet Protocol (IP) suite, and an Ethernet driver, which converts data between the ARINC 429 protocol used by CMS and the Ethernet/IP protocol, enabling communication between CMS and IP radios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If CMS uses ARINC 429 protocol for communication, then compatibility with legacy aircraft systems is maintained, but bandwidth and data throughput are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protocol translator as an intermediary device that sits between the ARINC 429 bus and Ethernet/IP networks. This translator converts ARINC 429 protocol messages into Ethernet frames and IP packets, enabling the CMS to communicate with broadband subnetworks while maintaining compatibility with legacy ARINC 429 systems. The intermediary resolves the contradiction by allowing both protocols to coexist and interoperate.
2Productivity
If broadband subnetworks utilizing IP protocol are implemented, then bandwidth and data throughput are increased, but compatibility with traditional ARINC 429 systems is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol translator is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple protocol conversions. It can translate ARINC 429 to Ethernet, Ethernet to ARINC 429, and manage bidirectional communication between these different protocol domains. This universal capability allows the system to maintain adaptability across both legacy and modern networks simultaneously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If protocol translator system is added to enable Ethernet communication, then communication capability with IP radios is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol translator serves as a dedicated intermediary device that encapsulates the complexity of protocol conversion logic within a single component. Rather than distributing conversion logic across multiple systems, the translator centralizes the complexity, making the overall system architecture more manageable and maintainable despite the added functional complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a processing system comprising: an ARINC 429 converter system; an Internet protocol (IP) suite; and an Ethernet driver; wherein the processing system is configured to be coupled to a communications management system and at least one IP radio; wherein the processing system converts data, from the communications management system, from an ARINC 429 protocol into a transport layer protocol, an IP and a Ethernet protocol; and wherein the processing system converts data, from the IP radio, from the Ethernet protocol, IP, and transport layer protocol to the ARINC 429 protocol.