Data Management Device for Avionics Interface Latency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Avionics data processing systems face challenges in flexibility and latency due to fixed interface allocations and complex data handling processes, which restrict scalability and efficiency, especially in modernization efforts where integrating new or future interface standards is cumbersome and latency-prone.

Innovation Solution

A data processing apparatus with multiple processors and interfaces, featuring a data management device that autonomously handles data flows between interfaces and processors, reducing the need for structural alterations and software involvement, thereby enhancing flexibility and reducing latency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed allocation of physical interfaces to individual software applications and processor cores is used, then reliability and stability are improved, but adaptability and flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidinterface allocation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into multiple processor cores, each with its own dedicated interface allocation. This segmentation allows independent management of interface resources while maintaining overall system stability through fixed allocations, yet enables flexibility by allowing different segmentation configurations for different applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interface allocation mechanism is designed to be universal, supporting multiple interface types and configurations through a common framework. This allows the same physical interface to serve multiple functions or be allocated to different applications based on operational requirements, enhancing adaptability without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If multiple data copying processes and software involvement are used for data exchange, then ease of operation is improved, but latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata handling simplicityVSAvoiddata exchange latency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The data copying function is extracted from the software domain and implemented as a dedicated hardware component. This extraction eliminates the need for software intervention in data copying operations, reducing latency significantly while maintaining ease of operation through automated hardware-based data transfer between processor cores and interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A hardware intermediary component is introduced between the processor cores and interfaces to handle data copying and transfer operations. This intermediary performs data movement in hardware, acting as a mediator that reduces the time required for data exchange while allowing software to continue operating with simplified interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If structural alterations and new interface definitions are made, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and approval procedures increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface standard integrationVSAvoidapproval procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface allocation system is designed to be dynamic, allowing runtime reconfiguration of interface assignments without requiring structural hardware changes. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different interface standards and configurations through software-controlled allocation, avoiding the complexity of physical structural alterations and associated approval procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11392514B2Data processing apparatus having multiple processors and multiple interfaces
Publication Date: 2022.07.19 ROCKWELL COLLINS DEUTLAND
  • US11392514B2 patent drawing
  • US11392514B2 patent drawing
  • US11392514B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A data processing apparatus is specified, having multiple processor devices (4), multiple interface devices (5), to which external devices (E) are respectively connectable, and having connections (8, 10) between the interface devices (5) and the processor devices (4), via which data are transportable between the interface devices (5) and the processor devices (4). In the connections (8, 10), there is provision for at least one data management device (20) for handling data flows between the interface devices (5) and the processor devices (4). The data management device (20) is in the form of a hardware component.