Avionics Data Network Switch Core with ARINC Legacy Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Legacy avionics data network systems, such as those following the ARINC 664 part 7 specification, face challenges in compatibility and efficient data transmission when integrated with newer time-sensitive networking (TSN) standards, leading to potential inefficiencies and incompatibilities.

Innovation Solution

A network switch core configured for TSN schema, combined with an ARINC legacy module that identifies available unallocated time slots and selectively schedules the delivery of ARINC networking data frames, ensuring compatibility and efficient transmission without data frame modification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a TSN schema network switch core is used, then network performance and determinism are improved, but compatibility with legacy ARINC networking data is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork performanceVSAvoidcompatibility with legacy ARINC networking data

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

An ARINC legacy module is introduced as an intermediary component between legacy ARINC end nodes and the TSN network switch core. This legacy module receives ARINC networking data, schedules it into appropriate TSN time slots, and forwards it to the TSN network, enabling seamless interoperability between legacy ARINC systems and modern TSN infrastructure without requiring modification of existing ARINC equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate data buses are used for federated systems, then compatibility with legacy systems is maintained, but network complexity and data transmission efficiency are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with legacy federated systemsVSAvoidnetwork complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges legacy ARINC data transmission with modern TSN infrastructure by consolidating multiple separate data buses into a unified TSN network. The ARINC legacy module acts as a bridge that allows federated systems to communicate over the shared TSN network infrastructure, reducing the number of separate physical buses required while maintaining compatibility with legacy systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If ARINC data frames are transmitted without modification, then data integrity is maintained, but scheduling flexibility in TSN network is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata integrityVSAvoidscheduling flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ARINC legacy module implements dynamic scheduling by adapting ARINC data frame transmission to varying TSN time slot allocations. The module dynamically maps ARINC data streams to appropriate TSN time slots based on network conditions and QoS requirements, maintaining data integrity while providing flexible scheduling capabilities across the TSN infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3624419B1Avionics data network

Publication Date: 2021.10.27 GE AVIATION SYST LTD

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AI summary

An apparatus and method for operating an avionics data network (24) includes a network switch core (34) configured for a time-sensitive networking (TSN) schema, a set of TSN networking end nodes communicatively connected with the network switch core (34), a set of ARINC 664 part 7 (A664p7) networking end nodes communicatively connected with the network switch core (34), and an A664p7 legacy module (44) connected with the network switch core (34) and configured to receive a set of A664p7 networking data from the set of A664p7 networking end nodes.