Serial Databus Payload Packing for Continuous Engine Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft electronic engine controllers face challenges in storing and transmitting large amounts of continuous engine operating data due to limited memory requirements and the difficulty of accessing data from serial databuses, which are typically used for transmitting only limited engine parameters.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes the spare bandwidth of serial databuses by dividing large data files into selectively-sized portions and allocating them into available slots within transmission frames, allowing for efficient transmission and recording of data files over existing serial databus infrastructure, with a bus recorder positioned in a more accessible area for easier data retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If large data files are transmitted over serial databus, then data transmission capability is improved, but the limited bandwidth capacity of serial databus causes transmission difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments large data files into smaller transmission payloads that can be accommodated within the limited bandwidth capacity of serial databus transmission frames. Each payload is divided into multiple data words that fit within available slots, enabling successful transmission of large datasets over bandwidth-constrained serial databuses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the time dimension by implementing a transmission schedule that spreads data transmission across multiple transmission frames. Instead of attempting to transmit all data in a single frame, the system schedules transmissions over time, utilizing unused slots across multiple frames to convey large data files.
2Loss of information
If data is stored on EECs, then data availability is improved, but memory requirements and access difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts data from the EEC memory storage location and transmits it to a bus recorder positioned in a more accessible area of the aircraft. This extraction removes the burden of large memory requirements from the EEC while maintaining data availability through the recorder, which can be easily accessed on the ground.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a bus recorder as an intermediary component between the EEC and ground access points. The recorder receives transmitted data and stores it in an accessible location, serving as a mediator that eliminates the need for direct EEC access while preserving data availability.
3Productivity
If data is transmitted over serial databus, then data access efficiency is improved, but transmission time increases due to bandwidth limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-processing data into appropriately sized payloads and organizing transmission schedules before actual transmission begins. This preparation ensures that data is ready for immediate transmission in optimized segments, reducing overall transmission time despite bandwidth constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by implementing an ongoing transmission schedule that utilizes every available slot in every transmission frame. Rather than idle periods between transmissions, the system continuously transmits data segments, maximizing bandwidth utilization and reducing total transmission time.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for data acquisition utilizing spare or unused databus capacity are provided. In one example aspect, the system includes a vehicle that includes an engine and a controller. The controller generates a data file indicative of Continuous Engine Operation Data (CEOD). The data file is transmitted over a serial databus to a bus recorder. Particularly, the data file is continuously generated by the controller and stored in a buffer. The available bandwidth of a transmission frame for the serial databus is determined. A portion of the data file is retrieved from the buffer based at least in part on the determined bandwidth. The portion of the data file is divided into relatively small transmission payloads and packed into the available bandwidth of the transmission frame. This process is repeated on a continuous basis and the bus recorder records the data. The data file is then reconstituted and decoded.