Modular Avionics System Using Slice-Based Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional avionics systems face challenges in meeting advanced processing and high-speed interconnection demands while efficiently managing metrics like weight, size, and power, and struggle with scalability and reconfigurability.
Innovation Solution
A modular avionics system with a slice-based architecture, featuring centralized processing units and multi-core processors, where each unit is composed of self-contained slices that can be easily connected and disconnected for scalability and reconfigurability, allowing for independent manufacturing, testing, and upgrading of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional distributed avionics architecture is used, then system functionality is maintained, but processing capability and interconnection speed are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into independent functional slices (display slice, control slice, processing slice) that can be manufactured and tested separately, then combined through standardized interfaces. This segmentation enables each module to achieve high-speed interconnection while maintaining overall system manageability through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The slices are designed with universal interfaces and standardized protocols that allow them to function in multiple configurations. The same slice can be used in different system arrangements, enabling flexibility and high-speed communication across various applications without requiring architecture-specific optimizations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional avionics systems are used, then current functionality is provided, but scalability and reconfigurability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into standardized slices with uniform interfaces, the architecture enables easy reconfiguration and scaling. Individual slices can be added, removed, or rearranged without affecting the entire system, while each slice maintains consistent manufacturing processes that simplify production.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of functional parameters by reconfiguring which slices are activated or connected, rather than requiring physical redesign. This enables adaptability to different mission requirements while maintaining the same manufacturing standards for each slice type.
3Power
If centralized processing is implemented, then processing capability is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing capability is segmented across multiple independent processing slices rather than consolidated in a single complex centralized unit. Each slice handles specific processing functions and can be optimized independently, while the modular architecture prevents overall system complexity from increasing.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing processing power within a single centralized unit, the system adds processing capability by expanding the number and capacity of parallel slices. This dimensional approach to scaling allows enhanced processing power while maintaining manageable complexity through distribution.
4Ease of repair
If modular design is adopted, then maintenance and upgrade costs are reduced, but interconnection requirements become more demanding
Solution Approach 1:
The modular slice design allows individual slices to be easily replaced when malfunctioning or needing upgrades, rather than replacing the entire system. This approach reduces maintenance costs by isolating failures to individual replaceable modules while using standardized high-speed interfaces that remain consistent across generations.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the system into standardized slices with uniform high-speed interfaces, the architecture simplifies maintenance while meeting speed requirements. Each slice can be independently tested, replaced, or upgraded without affecting other components, and the standardized interfaces ensure continuous high-speed communication capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The modular avionics system may include one or more centralized processing line-replaceable units (LRUs), the centralized processing LRUs including at least one multi-core computer processor, one or more multi-function display (MFD) units configured to receive imagery data from the centralized processing LRUs and display the imagery data on a display device, one or more control display units (CDUs) configured to receive imagery data from the centralized processing LRUs and display the imagery data on a display device, the MFD units and the CDUs including one or more user input devices, the MFD units and the CDUs including at least one logic module, the CDUs and the MFD units configured to transmit user input data from the user input devices to the centralized processing LRUs, the centralized processing LRUs constructed from a plurality of component slices, wherein a first component slice and at least a second component slice are reversibly couplable.