LRU Computer Architecture for Unmanned Vehicle Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned vehicles require high-altitude and long-endurance vehicle management and mission management systems that are lightweight and reliable, but existing systems lack effective redundancy and data exchange mechanisms to ensure continuous operation in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle management and mission management computer architecture that includes two line replaceable units, each with multiple vehicle management system computer channels and mission management system computer channels, coupled via common buses and cross-channel data links for redundancy and channel restart capabilities, ensuring continuous operation even in the event of single event upsets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing vehicle management and mission management systems are used, then basic vehicle operation is achieved, but reliability and continuous operation capability are insufficient due to lack of effective redundancy
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate line replaceable units (LRUs), each containing dedicated vehicle management system computer channels and mission management system computer channels. This segmentation allows independent replacement and testing of individual units, improving reliability without requiring complex system-wide changes.
Solution Approach 2:
Different LRU configurations provide specialized functionality - some LRUs are optimized for vehicle management with specific sensor interfaces, while others are optimized for mission management with payload interfaces. This local specialization enhances overall system reliability by ensuring critical functions have dedicated, optimized hardware.
2Reliability
If redundant computing channels are implemented, then continuous operation capability is improved, but system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements redundant computing channels by creating copies of essential computer functions within and across LRUs. Each LRU contains duplicate computer channels that can take over if primary channels fail, providing continuous operation capability while keeping individual LRU weights manageable for high-altitude long-endurance applications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple computer channels are integrated in each LRU, then data exchange and channel restart capabilities are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computer channels within each LRU are designed with universal communication interfaces and standardized data exchange protocols. This allows the same LRU design to support multiple functions and configurations, improving adaptability while simplifying manufacturing through standardization of communication bus architectures and interface circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle management and mission management computer architecture and packaging may include a first line replaceable unit and a second line replaceable unit. The first line replaceable unit may include a vehicle management system computer channel coupleable to a group including at least one mission related system and at least one vehicle system. The first line replaceable unit may also include a mission management system computer channel coupleable to the group including the at least one mission related system and the at least one vehicle system. The second line replaceable unit may include another vehicle management system computer channel coupleable to the group including the at least one mission related system and the at least one vehicle system. The second line replaceable unit may also include another mission management system computer channel coupleable to the group including the at least one mission related system and the at least one vehicle system.