Avionics Switch Architecture for Mixed ARINC 664 and IEEE 802 Frames

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing avionics networks using ARINC 664 P7 and IEEE 802 protocols require separate physical components, leading to space, power, and weight inefficiencies due to segregation, and inefficient frame processing in mixed systems.

Innovation Solution

A switch that integrates both protocols using a CAM-type memory with a configuration table to identify and process frames based on static or dynamic identification values, applying uniform transmission parameters regardless of protocol, allowing shared physical components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate physical components are used for ARINC 664 P7 and IEEE 802 networks, then protocol segregation and determinism are ensured, but space, power consumption, and weight increase due to component doubling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol segregationVSAvoidnetwork component weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines ARINC 664 P7 and IEEE 802 networks into a single shared physical infrastructure, using one switch fabric and transmission medium for both protocols. This merging eliminates the need for separate physical components while maintaining protocol segregation through logical separation mechanisms in the switching fabric.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The switching fabric is designed to be universal, capable of handling both ARINC 664 P7 and IEEE 802 protocols simultaneously. The same physical switch infrastructure performs multiple functions by processing different protocol types through protocol-specific processing paths within the unified architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate physical components are used for ARINC 664 P7 and IEEE 802 networks, then protocol segregation is achieved, but power consumption increases due to component doubling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol segregationVSAvoidnetwork component power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the physical infrastructure for both protocols into a single power-consuming entity (one switch fabric), thereby eliminating the redundant power consumption of duplicate components while maintaining protocol segregation through logical separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The universal switching fabric processes both ARINC 664 P7 and IEEE 802 traffic using the same physical resources, optimizing power utilization by avoiding the need to power separate dedicated hardware for each protocol.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If separate physical components are used for ARINC 664 P7 and IEEE 802 networks, then protocol determinism is maintained, but available space decreases due to component doubling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork determinismVSAvoidnetwork component space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the physical footprint of separate network components into a single integrated switching fabric, significantly reducing the space required to house network equipment while preserving determinism through structured protocol handling paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If switches process frames with specific protocol processing, then protocol compatibility is ensured, but switch operation efficiency decreases due to non-optimized operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidswitch operation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The switching fabric is segmented into protocol-specific processing paths or planes, allowing ARINC 664 P7 and IEEE 802 frames to be processed through optimized, dedicated pathways within the unified switch. This segmentation enables protocol-specific optimizations while maintaining overall system efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The switch performs preliminary identification of frame protocols upon reception, routing frames through appropriate processing paths before full processing occurs. This preliminary action allows the switch to optimize processing based on protocol type, improving overall operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3934180B1Switch for an avionics communication system, associated avionics communication system and transmission method

Publication Date: 2026.02.11 THALES SA

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AI summary

This switch (22A) is capable of transmitting digital data in the form of frames, each frame having an identification field and being of the first type conforming to an ARINC 664 P7 protocol or of the second type conforming to an IEEE 802 protocol. The switch (22A) has a plurality of input ports (31), a plurality of output ports (32), and a configuration table (33) containing, for each identification value, transmission parameters for frames having that identification value. The switch (22A) is capable of switching each frame between an input port (31) and at least one output port (32) exclusively based on the transmission parameters corresponding to the identification value of that frame in the configuration table (33), regardless of the frame type.