Integrated Subscriber Switch for Deterministic Aircraft Ethernet

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft onboard communication networks face challenges in reducing the mass, size, and electrical consumption of switches due to their complexity and the need for deterministic communication, which is essential for meeting regulatory requirements.

Innovation Solution

Integrating a switch within a subscriber of the communication network, allowing it to be powered by the subscriber's electrical supply and eliminating the need for external wiring, while implementing the switch in software form to reduce physical resources and enhance connectivity through multiple external communication ports.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If switches are implemented as separate specific electronic circuit equipment to meet deterministic communication requirements, then network reliability and determinism are improved, but mass, size, and electrical consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork determinismVSAvoidswitch mass

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the switch function with the subscriber equipment by integrating a switch module within each subscriber. This allows the switch to be powered by the subscriber's electrical supply and eliminates the need for separate switch equipment, thereby reducing mass while maintaining network determinism through the distributed switch architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The subscriber equipment is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both an endpoint for communication and as a switch for routing traffic. The subscriber includes a processor that can execute switch functionality, allowing it to handle both data communication and network switching tasks, thereby eliminating dedicated switch hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork determinismVSAvoidswitch complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switch functionality is merged into the subscriber's processor and memory resources. Instead of implementing switches as separate complex electronic circuits, the patent uses the subscriber's existing computing resources to perform switching operations, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining deterministic network performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional hardware-based switch circuits with software-based switching implemented through the subscriber's processor. The switch module is configured with virtual link information and uses the processor to perform routing decisions, substituting mechanical/electronic circuit complexity with programmable software logic

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If external wiring is provided between subscribers and switches, then connectivity and network topology flexibility are improved, but mass and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork topology flexibilityVSAvoidwiring mass

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The subscriber includes integrated communication ports that are directly connected to the switch module within the same equipment. This integration eliminates the need for external wiring between separate subscriber and switch units, reducing wiring mass while maintaining network topology flexibility through the distributed architecture where each subscriber can connect to multiple other subscribers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10027570B2Communication network on board a vehicle and a switch of such a communication network

Publication Date: 2018.07.17 AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)

AI summary

A communication network on board a vehicle is a deterministic switched Ethernet network using virtual links, which includes a set of links, a set of subscribers and at least one switch containing a static configuration table that can be configured according to virtual links passing through this switch. This switch is integrated in a subscriber from the set of subscribers and is connected to the subscriber so as to enable communications between the subscriber and at least one other subscriber of the communication network. The switch includes at least three external communication ports (PE1, PE2, PE3) and the communication network is configured according to a mesh topology such that this switch is connected to at least three other entities corresponding to subscribers and/or switches of the communication network.