Avionics Data Server Network Architecture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Legacy avionics systems rely on federated subsystems with dedicated logic and interfaces, leading to inefficiencies in data sharing and processing across components, resulting in higher data transmission frequencies than necessary, which can cause delays and inefficiencies in data processing and distribution.

Innovation Solution

An avionics data communications network with an Avionics Data Server (ADS) that manages data distribution, conversion, interworking, processing, and synchronization across various components, using a centralized data server with circular buffers and a rules-based scheduler to optimize data flow and reduce redundant processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If data is sampled and transmitted at higher frequency in federated systems, then data freshness is improved, but network bandwidth consumption and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata freshnessVSAvoidpower requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple federated subsystems into a unified architecture with a single data bus and shared processing resources. Multiple application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) are combined into one system that serves multiple functions, reducing redundant data transmission and processing while maintaining data freshness through efficient resource sharing and coordinated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The unified subsystem performs multiple functions that were previously handled by separate federated systems. A single data bus serves multiple data transmission needs, and a shared processor handles various application tasks, eliminating the need for dedicated logic and interfaces in each subsystem while maintaining efficient data handling.

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

2Measurement precision

If data is sampled and transmitted at higher frequency in federated systems, then data freshness is improved, but network bandwidth consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata freshnessVSAvoidnetwork bandwidth efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple data transmission channels from separate federated systems are merged into a single efficient data bus. This consolidation eliminates redundant transmissions of the same data to multiple subsystems, as the unified architecture can selectively distribute data only where needed, improving network bandwidth efficiency while maintaining data freshness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of transmitting full data copies to multiple federated subsystems, the patent uses a unified subsystem that can efficiently replicate and distribute data only to specific destinations that require it, reducing overall network bandwidth consumption while ensuring data is available where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate federated systems are used, then system modularity is improved, but data sharing and processing efficiency worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem modularityVSAvoiddata processing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple federated subsystems into a unified architecture that maintains functional modularity through separate ASICs and logical partitions, while enabling efficient data sharing through a common data bus and shared processing resources. This allows data to be processed once and efficiently distributed to multiple functional units, improving overall data processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If dedicated logic and interfaces are used in federated systems, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple dedicated logic units and interface circuits into a unified subsystem with shared resources. While the physical number of components is reduced, reliability is maintained through redundant processing paths, error checking mechanisms, and the ability of the unified system to perform multiple functions with appropriate fault isolation between functional blocks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3055959B1Data communications network for an aircraft
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 GE AVIATION SYSTEMS LLC
  • EP3055959B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3055959B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A method of controlling data communication in a communications network having a plurality of remote input units providing data and a plurality of subscriber units utilizing at least some of the data. The data from the remote input units may be formatted into a format suitable for subscriber units, and/or may be processed to be useful to the subscriber units. The formatted and/or processed data is then provided over the communications network to the subscribing units.