Bi-directional Optical Link for Avionics Data Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerospace optical fiber networks are complex, costly to maintain, and require multiple protocols, leading to increased size, weight, and power consumption, while being susceptible to temperature fluctuations and electromagnetic interference.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional optical link architecture using a processing node with an array of optical transmitter/receiver pairs and an interface for coupling with an integrating network, employing passive optical networks and dynamically reconfigurable components to reduce the number of transmitters and fibers, and support both analog and digital signals on a single wavelength, with built-in redundancy and fault management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional copper wire systems are used for data distribution in avionics, then compatibility with existing protocols (IEEE 1394B, ARINC 429, AFDX) is maintained, but system weight and size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces copper wire-based mechanical electrical transmission with optical fiber-based light transmission. The system uses optical transceivers at each node to convert electrical signals to optical signals for transmission over fibers, eliminating the need for heavy copper cables while maintaining protocol compatibility through standardized optical interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical network infrastructure provides universal connectivity that can support multiple communication protocols simultaneously. The patent describes an architecture where a single optical backbone can carry data for IEEE 1394B, ARINC 429, AFDX, and other protocols by using protocol conversion at network nodes, allowing one infrastructure to serve multiple legacy and future protocols.
2Weight of moving object
If optical networks are deployed to reduce weight and improve reliability, then SWAP is reduced and EMI immunity is achieved, but temperature susceptibility and link failure risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) to transmit multiple data streams at different wavelengths over a single optical fiber. This allows the system to optimize for temperature stability at each wavelength while maintaining high data rates. The architecture includes monitoring and control mechanisms that can adjust transmission parameters in response to temperature variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates redundant optical paths and error correction mechanisms that can detect and compensate for temperature-induced signal degradation before it causes complete link failure. The patent describes monitoring systems that track optical signal quality and can trigger protective measures such as switching to alternative paths or adjusting transmission parameters to maintain reliability under temperature stress.
3Reliability
If multiple separate optical links are used to connect each data source to the processing node, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate optical links into a shared optical backbone network. Instead of having dedicated point-to-point optical fibers connecting each data source to the processing node, multiple sources share common optical infrastructure. This is achieved using optical switches and wavelength division multiplexing, which allows multiple data streams to share the same physical medium while maintaining logical separation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces the wavelength dimension to multiply the capacity of existing optical infrastructure. By using wavelength division multiplexing, a single optical fiber can simultaneously transmit multiple data streams at different wavelengths, effectively adding capacity without adding physical infrastructure. This dimensional approach allows the network to scale capacity without proportionally increasing complexity.
4Reliability
If cooling or heating units are added to optical devices to stabilize temperature, then temperature stability is improved, but system SWAP and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses wavelength division multiplexing to transmit data at multiple wavelengths simultaneously, allowing the system to optimize optical transmission parameters for temperature stability without requiring active thermal control. By having multiple wavelength channels, the system can select wavelengths that are less sensitive to temperature variations or use wavelength tuning to compensate for thermal effects, eliminating the need for heavy cooling or heating units.
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
This solution reduces equipment size, weight, and power consumption, enhances reliability, and simplifies maintenance by minimizing spare parts and enabling flexible, scalable, and upgradeable networks resistant to temperature and interference, while supporting multiple protocols and reducing the need for separate cabling infrastructures.
Implementation Method 1
an optical modulator arranged to modulate a light signal according to signals received from the associated data sources
Implementation Method 2
an optical receiver for detecting control data input to the module
Implementation Method 3
Each transmitter of the array has an associated laser source operative to supply a downstream light signal including module control data over an optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic link for platforms with data sources including, e.g., sensors, cameras, radars and antennas. An array of optical transmitter/receiver pairs is coupled to an integrating network of the platform. Data modules are each coupled to certain ones of the data sources and include a receiver for detecting control data, and a modulator for modulating a light signal according to signals from the module's data sources. At least one optical fiber is coupled between a given transmitter/receiver pair of the array, and a corresponding data module. A laser source associated with each transmitter supplies a light signal with the control data to a corresponding data module downstream over an optical fiber. The light signal is modulated by the signals from the module's data sources, and the modulated light signal is returned to an array receiver upstream over an optical fiber.