IP-Based ATM Voice and Direction Finding Relay-Free Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air traffic management systems rely on mechanical relays to protect direction finding systems from high transmission power, which are prone to wear and require maintenance, increasing operational and capital expenditures.
Innovation Solution
An IP-based air traffic management system that integrates an IP-based voice communication system and direction finding system, using IP interfaces to communicate control signals and replace mechanical relays, ensuring reliable and cost-effective operation without the need for additional hardware maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical relay is used to protect the direction finding system from high transmission power, then the direction finding system is protected from damage, but the relay is subjected to wear and requires maintenance, increasing operational and capital expenditures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical relay with an electronic control mechanism. The voice communication system sends control signals via IP packets to the direction finding system, which automatically mutes itself when voice transmission is detected, eliminating the mechanical moving parts and wear associated with relays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control signal mechanism between the voice communication system and the direction finding system. Instead of direct mechanical switching, the system uses digital control signals transmitted over IP networks to coordinate the muting action, reducing mechanical wear and maintenance requirements.
2Reliability
If a mechanical relay is used to interrupt the radio frequency connection, then the direction finding system is protected from high transmission power, but additional hardware is required that increases capital expenditure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protection function into the existing direction finding system's electronic architecture. The control unit within the direction finding system receives digital signals and automatically performs muting, combining the protection function with the existing digital signal processing capabilities rather than adding separate mechanical hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical relay hardware with electronic control signals transmitted over IP networks. The direction finding system's existing electronic components are utilized to receive control signals and execute muting, eliminating the need for additional mechanical switching hardware.
3Ease of repair
If an IP-based system is used to replace mechanical relays, then maintenance costs are reduced and device complexity is lowered, but the system must reliably transmit control signals over IP network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the direction finding system monitors the reception of control signals and adjusts its muting state accordingly. The system continuously monitors the IP network communication and maintains reliable control signal transmission through acknowledgment and error checking protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the IP network as an intermediary for transmitting control signals between the voice communication system and the direction finding system. This digital intermediary provides reliable signal transmission with error checking and correction capabilities, ensuring control signals are accurately delivered without mechanical wear.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to an air traffic management (ATM) system (10) for monitoring an airspace (12). The ATM system (10) comprises an IP-based voice communication system (16) and a direction finding system (18). The ATM system (10) comprises at least one radio base station (20) for voice communication between a pilot and a controller. The radio base station (20) has an IP interface (34) via which the radio base station (20) is connected to the IP-based voice communication system (16). The direction finding system (18) has at least one reception radio (46) and an IP interface (32) via which the direction finding system (18) is connected to the IP-based voice communication system (16). The voice communication system (16) and the direction finding system (18) are configured to communicate with each other. The direction finding system (18) is configured to receive and process control signals issued by the voice communication system (16). Further, the use of the ATM system (10) and a method of establishing an IP-based ATM system (10) are described.