Bus Arbitrator for Legacy Avionics Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy avionics and computing devices without a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) interface face difficulties in remote software or database downloads, requiring expensive manual operations and recertification due to lack of direct connectivity and hardware/software upgrades.
Innovation Solution
A memory-processing card is interfaced with line replaceable units, featuring a central processing unit module, memory, and bus arbitrator, enabling data transfer via WiFi or Ethernet interfaces, allowing remote servers to download data directly to the memory without modifying the line replaceable units, thus eliminating the need for manual intervention and recertification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional avionics are migrated to include TCP/IP interface for remote downloading, then remote data transfer capability is improved, but hardware and software changes are required which increase device complexity and recertification costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication management unit as an intermediary device that mediates between the legacy avionics and the external network. This unit handles TCP/IP protocol processing and data transfer, allowing legacy systems to access remote data transfer capabilities without modifying the avionics themselves. The intermediary absorbs the complexity of protocol adaptation while maintaining simplicity in the legacy system.
2Device complexity
If manual data loading operations are used in legacy aircraft, then TCP/IP interface is not required maintaining simplicity, but expensive manual operations are required reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service data transfer by allowing legacy avionics to automatically receive data through the communication management unit without requiring technician intervention. The bus arbitrator automatically manages data transfer operations, and the system can autonomously handle data loading, updating, and verification processes that previously required manual technician operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ARINC 429 connectivity is used with communication management unit, then existing connectivity is utilized maintaining compatibility, but recertification is still required increasing costs and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the TCP/IP protocol processing and network communication functions from the legacy avionics system and places them in the communication management unit. By separating these functions, the legacy avionics remain unchanged and do not require recertification, while the communication management unit handles all network-related operations independently.
Data Source
AI summary
A method to facilitate data transfer to a line replaceable unit that lacks a transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP) interface is provided. The method comprises interfacing a memory-processing card to the line replaceable unit. The memory-processing card includes a memory, a central processing unit module, an interface to the line replaceable unit, an interface to an access point communicatively coupled to the central processing unit module, and a bus arbitrator communicatively coupled to the memory, the central processing unit module, and the interfaces. The method also includes determining a state of the line replaceable unit at the bus arbitrator responsive to the interfacing, providing access at the bus arbitrator from the central processing unit module to the memory when the determined state of the line replaceable unit is OFF, and providing access at the bus arbitrator from the line replaceable unit to the memory when the determined state of the line replaceable unit is ON.