Configurable I/O Unit for Flight Simulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input/output units in electronic cards operate in pre-defined manners, lacking flexibility to adapt to specific applications, such as flight simulators, where generic cards need to implement various functionalities.
Innovation Solution
A configurable input/output unit and modular card with a processor, memory, and bus for executing configuration code to dynamically configure inputs and outputs based on broadcast messages, allowing for flexible operation and power supply management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If I/O units operate in pre-defined manner with fixed operating parameters, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability and versatility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The I/O unit performs self-configuration by automatically detecting broadcast messages from external entities and configuring its own inputs and outputs based on the received configuration data, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing configuration management complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses broadcast messages as feedback mechanism where external entities transmit configuration parameters to the I/O unit, enabling the I/O unit to adapt its operation mode, input/output assignments, and communication protocols based on received feedback information
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated electronic cards are used for different functionalities, then reliability is improved through specialization, but device complexity and loss of substance increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single I/O unit is designed to perform multiple functions by dynamically reconfiguring its inputs, outputs, and communication protocols based on broadcast messages, replacing the need for multiple dedicated cards and reducing hardware resource consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The I/O unit transitions from static pre-defined operation to dynamic reconfigurable operation, where its functional characteristics can be changed in real-time based on received broadcast messages, enabling one card to fulfill roles of multiple dedicated cards
3Adaptability or versatility
If I/O units lack configuration capability, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to specific applications is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The I/O unit automatically configures itself by receiving broadcast messages containing configuration parameters, eliminating the need for manual configuration operations and maintaining ease of operation while gaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
Configuration parameters are pre-prepared in broadcast messages that are transmitted to the I/O unit before operation begins, allowing the I/O unit to be pre-configured for specific applications without requiring manual setup during operation
Data Source
AI summary
Configurable input/output unit and configurable modular card provided therewith. The configurable input/output unit comprises a plurality of configurable inputs and outputs. The plurality of configurable inputs and outputs comprises a predefined output for sending a broadcast message and a predefined input for receiving a broadcast response message. The card comprises a board, at least one processor mounted on the board, at least one memory mounted on the board and in electronic communication with the processor, the configurable input/output unit comprising the plurality of configurable inputs and outputs, and a bus for providing electronic data exchange there between. The processor configures the plurality of inputs and outputs of the configurable input/output unit based on the broadcast response message. The processor may generate testing signals to the plurality of inputs and outputs of the configurable input/output unit.