Inline Optoelectronic Converter for Avionic Retrofit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retrofitting avionic computers with optical transceivers is costly and time-consuming due to the need for redesign and recertification, and existing solutions require modifications to onboard circuitry, pin configurations, or additional power supplies, which are not feasible for all aircraft installations.
Innovation Solution
An inline optoelectronic converter that integrates into the existing wiring bundle of avionic computers, converting electrical signals to optical signals and vice versa, using a shared power source and avoiding modifications to the computer's circuitry or pin configurations, and can be secured within the wiring bundle without additional mounting hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an optical transceiver is placed inside the avionic computer, then optical fiber communication capability is achieved, but redesign and recertification costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent parts: the original avionic computer (LRU) and a separate optoelectronic converter. The converter is an external device that interfaces with the LRU through existing connectors, allowing optical communication capability to be added without modifying the LRU's internal structure or requiring recertification of the computer itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The optoelectronic converter acts as an intermediary device between the electrical wiring system and the optical fiber communication system. It receives electrical signals from the LRU through existing connectors, converts them to optical signals, and transmits them via optical fiber, thereby bridging the gap between legacy electrical systems and modern optical communication without requiring direct integration into the LRU.
2Reliability
If the converter is integrated into the LRU/aircraft mating connector, then optical communication is enabled, but modifications to connector pin configuration are required
Solution Approach 1:
The optoelectronic converter is designed with universal interfaces that can connect to standard aircraft connectors without requiring custom pin configurations. The device uses existing connector types and pinouts, allowing it to interface with various LRU types and aircraft systems through standard connectors, thereby avoiding the need to modify connector designs or pin assignments for different applications.
3Reliability
If the converter is placed on the aircraft connector side, then optical communication is achieved, but long power wires are required which suffer voltage drops
Solution Approach 1:
The optoelectronic converter is designed to draw power directly from the LRU through the existing data connector pins, eliminating the need for separate power wires. The device converts a portion of the data signal power into electrical power for its operation, or uses the connector's existing power pins to receive power directly from the LRU's power supply, thereby avoiding long power wire runs and associated voltage drops.
4Adaptability or versatility
If electrical wiring is used for data transfer, then existing aircraft infrastructure is utilized, but electromagnetic interference and wiring weight are problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces heavy electrical wiring for data transmission with lightweight optical fiber cables. The optoelectronic converter converts electrical data signals from the LRU into optical signals that travel through optical fiber, eliminating the need for heavy-gauge electrical wires dedicated to data transmission. This substitution reduces both the weight of the wiring harness and the system's susceptibility to electromagnetic interference, while maintaining compatibility with existing electrical connectors at the LRU interface.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables cost-effective retrofitting of avionic computers to optical fiber communication without altering the computer's internal components or connector configurations, reducing electromagnetic interference and wiring weight, while maintaining compatibility with existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The converter (20) includes an optical transceiver (34) configured to convert electrical signals to optical signals and to convert optical signals to electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
An inline optoelectronic converter configured to convert electrical signals to optical signals and to convert optical signals to electrical signals. The converter is external to the avionic computer and connected to the avionic computer at a location spaced apart from the avionic computer. The converter is configured to be integrated into an existing wiring bundle of the avionic computer. Also disclosed is a method of retrofitting an avionic computer by connecting an optoelectronic converter to the computer. The method comprises connecting the converter to an existing wiring bundle of the avionic computer at a location spaced apart from the avionic computer.