Modem Controller Digital Switching for Aircraft Wireless Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
The rapid advancement of wireless technologies, such as from 3G to 4G and WiFi from 802.11 to 802.11ac, necessitates frequent replacements of avionics devices, which are costly and time-consuming, and existing systems lack the ability to seamlessly upgrade or support multiple communication pathways.
Innovation Solution
A subassembly for an integrated wireless module that includes a modem controller, internal and external antennas, and multiple modem connectors, allowing for digital selection and communication between modems and antennas, enabling field replacement and supporting multiple communication options within a single device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless devices are completely replaced to keep up with technology advancements, then wireless technology capability is improved, but cost and maintenance time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication system is divided into separate functional modules: a main control unit and interchangeable modem modules. Each modem module can be independently replaced to support different wireless standards (3G, 4G, LTE, WiFi, etc.), allowing technology upgrades without replacing the entire system. This modular segmentation enables selective replacement of only the obsolete modem component.
Solution Approach 2:
The main control unit is designed with universal interfaces and control logic that can work with multiple types of modem modules. The system provides multi-functionality by supporting various wireless communication standards through a single platform, allowing different modem modules to be interchangeably connected to the same main control unit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless devices are completely replaced to support new standards, then wireless technology capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the expensive main control unit from the modem modules, allowing only the modem portion to be replaced when technology standards evolve. This segmentation reduces cost by preserving the investment in the main control unit while only replacing the relatively cheaper modem module to support new wireless standards.
Solution Approach 2:
When upgrading wireless technology, only the obsolete modem module is discarded and replaced with a new modem module supporting the latest standard. The main control unit is recovered and reused, maximizing resource utilization and reducing overall system cost.
3Reliability
If multiple wireless communication pathways are supported, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments different wireless communication functions into separate modem modules, each optimized for specific standards (3G, 4G, LTE, WiFi). This segmentation allows the system to support multiple communication pathways for improved reliability while keeping each individual module simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and activates appropriate modem modules based on available communication pathways and signal quality. The controller can switch between different modem modules and communication standards in real-time, providing adaptive reliability without requiring all pathways to be permanently active, thus managing complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A subassembly for an integrated wireless module is provided. The subassembly includes an integrated-wireless-module input/output (I/O) connector, a modem controller; at least one internal antenna, and at least two modem connectors communicatively coupled to the modem controller, the modem connectors configured to interface with at least two modems. The modem controller digitally selects to one of: communicatively couple one of the at least two modem connectors to one of the at least one internal antenna; communicatively couple one of the at least two modem connectors to the integrated-wireless-module I/O connector; and communicatively couple a first one of the at least two modem connectors to one of the at least one internal antenna and communicatively couple a second one of the at least two modem connectors to the integrated-wireless-module I/O connector.