EFB Automatic Communications Interface Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interfacing an Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) with an aircraft's avionics data network is challenging due to the variety of specialized data networks used, requiring costly reprogramming and recertification to match different communication standards, which is undesirable in the aviation industry.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for automatic configuration of a communications interface that connects the EFB to an aircraft data network by attempting to open communication ports based on predefined configurations, determining the correct interface, and operating accordingly, allowing communication without prior knowledge of the network standards used.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the EFB is configured to support multiple specialized data network protocols, then compatibility with different avionics platforms is improved, but device complexity and development cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The EFB automatically detects the avionics data network protocol type upon connection and self-configures the appropriate communication interface without requiring manual intervention or pre-programming for each protocol. The system performs self-diagnosis by attempting to open communication ports based on detected protocols and automatically selects the correct configuration, thereby achieving multi-platform compatibility while maintaining simple device architecture.
2Reliability
If the EFB is reprogrammed for each different data network standard, then communication reliability is improved, but productivity and time to market decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The EFB employs a dynamic communication interface that can adapt its configuration in real-time based on the detected avionics data network protocol. Rather than being statically programmed for a specific protocol, the system dynamically selects and configures the appropriate communication interface (e.g., ARINC 429, ARINC 664, Ethernet) based on runtime detection, ensuring reliable communication across different standards without requiring separate development cycles for each protocol.
3Measurement precision
If per-airframe configuration is implemented, then measurement precision of network compatibility is improved, but ease of operation and maintenance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The EFB implements a feedback-based automatic configuration system that detects the avionics data network protocol through communication port testing and feedback from the network response. The system attempts to open communication ports using different protocol configurations, receives feedback from successful or failed connection attempts, and automatically adjusts its configuration accordingly. This eliminates the need for manual per-airframe configuration while maintaining high detection accuracy through iterative feedback-based protocol identification.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of automatic configuration of a communications interface of an unknown data network, the method comprising connecting an Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) to the unknown data network, attempting to open communication ports, in response to attempting to open communication ports, receiving data from the unknown data network, determining, by a controller module, if the selected communications interface can interpret the received data, and operating the communications interface of the EFB in accordance with the selected communications interface.