Digital Signal Processor for Automated Aircraft Cabin HF Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional HF spectrum analyzers and measurement antennas require manual operation, specialized personnel, and high-cost equipment for accurate communication system testing in aircraft cabins, leading to inefficiencies and potential interference issues due to the need for licensed test signals.

Innovation Solution

A digital signal processor integrated with a leaky line antenna and software-defined radio technology generates broadband noise signals and service signals for automatic system testing, reducing the need for multiple dedicated devices and minimizing space and weight requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional HF spectrum analyzers and measurement antennas are used for manual testing, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but the process requires specialized personnel, high-cost equipment, and takes a long time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidequipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the HF signal generator, spectrum analyzer, and control functions into a single integrated measurement device. The device includes a signal generation unit that creates test signals, a spectrum analyzer unit that processes signals, and a control unit that coordinates operations, eliminating the need for separate conventional equipment while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated measurement device performs multiple functions including signal generation, spectrum analysis, fault detection, and communication system testing. The device can test various communication services (GSM, UMTS, WLAN) and perform both transmission and reception measurements, replacing the need for multiple specialized devices and trained personnel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If conventional HF test signals at high power levels are used, then adequate signal strength for measurement is achieved, but the signals can cause interference with other services and require official licensing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal powerVSAvoidinterference with other services
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses low power levels for HF test signals that are sufficient for internal measurement purposes but too low to cause interference with external communication services. The signal generation unit creates test signals at power levels appropriate for cabin-based measurement, eliminating the need for high power licensed signals while maintaining adequate measurement quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple dedicated transmitting/receiving devices are used for different services, then comprehensive service testing is enabled, but the device requires significant space and weight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice testing capabilityVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated measurement device includes universal testing capabilities for multiple communication services (GSM, UMTS, WLAN, IMT) within a single unit. The device can switch between different service modes and frequency bands, providing comprehensive testing functionality without requiring separate dedicated devices for each service, thereby significantly reducing overall weight and space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8743999B2Digital signal processor, communication device, communication system and method for operating a digital signal processor
Publication Date: 2014.06.03 AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
  • US8743999B2 patent drawing
  • US8743999B2 patent drawing
  • US8743999B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides a digital signal processor, a communication system comprising such a digital signal processor and a method for operating such a digital signal processor. The digital signal processor for a communication system in an aircraft cabin of an aircraft comprises a provision means for providing a predeterminable digital signal suitable for forming a respective wave form for mapping a respective pre-determined service signal and a pre-determined noise signal.