Mixed Avionic Switches for ARINC 664 P7 and Ethernet Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing avionics communication systems require separate physical components for ARINC 664 P7 and Ethernet networks, leading to increased dimensional and space requirements, as well as weight, due to segregation needs, which current mixed network solutions do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A mixed avionics communication system that uses the same switches and transmission means for both ARINC 664 P7 and Ethernet networks, with switches configured to identify and process frames based on protocol type, applying filtering and routing according to predetermined configurations, allowing for prioritization and bandwidth management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate physical components are used for ARINC 664 P7 and Ethernet networks, then network reliability and determinism are maintained, but dimensional requirements and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges ARINC 664 P7 and Ethernet networks by using common physical components including switches, transmission means, and ports. The system allows both network types to share the same physical infrastructure while maintaining protocol-specific processing through software configuration in switches, thereby reducing weight and dimensional requirements without sacrificing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The switches and transmission means are designed with universal functionality to handle both ARINC 664 P7 and Ethernet protocols. The same physical ports and switches can process different protocol types through configurable identification and processing mechanisms, enabling multi-functionality that eliminates the need for separate dedicated hardware for each network type
2Reliability
If separate physical components are used for ARINC 664 P7 and Ethernet networks, then protocol-specific performance is ensured, but dimensional footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ARINC 664 P7 and Ethernet networks into a shared physical infrastructure, eliminating redundant hardware and reducing the overall dimensional footprint. Both protocols use the same switches and transmission media, significantly decreasing the space required for avionics communication systems
Solution Approach 2:
While using common physical components, the system applies protocol-specific processing locally at the software/configuration level within switches. Each switch can identify and process frames according to their specific protocol requirements through configured rules, maintaining protocol performance while sharing physical resources
3Quantity of substance
If common switches are used for both network types, then component数量 is reduced, but switch structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces frame identification and processing mechanisms as intermediaries within the switches. These mechanisms, implemented through software configuration and processing units, enable the switches to distinguish between ARINC 664 P7 and Ethernet frames and apply appropriate processing rules, managing complexity through controlled intermediary layers
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an avionic communication system that comprises a plurality of switches and a plurality of equipment units.Each equipment unit is capable of generating digital data that are present in the form of a plurality of frames of the first type that are in compliance with a first protocol, or of the second type that are in compliance with a second protocol. Each switch and each receiving equipment unit are configured so as to determine the type of each frame received and, as a function of the determined type, to process this frame in accordance with the corresponding protocol, each frame of the first type being processed on a prioritised basis in relation to each frame of the second type. The first protocol is of the type ARINC 664 P7 and the second protocol is of the type Ethernet with predetermined routing.