Modular Avionics Test Apparatus with Adaptor Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing avionics ground test rigs are costly, inflexible, and resource-intensive, requiring large footprints, consuming real equipment, and are difficult to maintain and reconfigure, with high ongoing support costs and frequent obsolescence, limiting their effectiveness and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A modular, three-layered test apparatus with a configurable user interface, software modules, and drivers, along with adaptable units and a two-phase lockout circuit for secure connections, enabling a generic and portable test facility that can simulate various avionics systems, reducing reliance on single-use rigs and facilitating high-demand testing across different platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bespoke test rig is designed for a specific avionics system, then the testing can be performed with dedicated equipment, but the footprint becomes large and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The test rig is designed as a universal multi-functional system that can test multiple avionics systems (communication systems, navigation systems, display systems, etc.) through a single integrated platform. The system includes multiple adaptor units that can be connected to a core test unit, allowing one test rig to replace multiple dedicated test rigs, thereby reducing the overall footprint while maintaining comprehensive testing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The test rig is divided into modular components including a core test unit and multiple adaptor units. Each adaptor unit is designed to interface with specific avionics systems, allowing the system to be configured for different testing scenarios. This segmentation enables compact design while maintaining versatility, as only the required adaptor units need to be connected at any given time
2Reliability
If real aircraft equipment is used in the test rig, then authentic testing conditions are achieved, but equipment consumption increases and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses adaptor units that replicate the electrical and functional characteristics of real aircraft equipment interfaces without requiring the actual aircraft components. The adaptor units contain circuitry that simulates the behavior of avionics systems, allowing authentic testing conditions to be achieved while avoiding consumption of scarce real aircraft equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor units are designed to be universally applicable across different avionics systems through standardized interfaces and configurable software modules. This allows the same physical adaptor hardware to test multiple different aircraft systems, eliminating the need to consume or dedicate specific real aircraft equipment to each test scenario
3Manufacturing precision
If a single-use test facility is configured for a specific test, then the test can be performed with dedicated setup, but reconfiguration becomes difficult and support costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The test rig employs dynamic reconfigurability through software-based configuration rather than fixed hardware wiring. The system includes configurable software modules that can be loaded and unloaded based on the specific test requirements, allowing the same physical hardware to be dynamically reconfigured for different testing scenarios without physical modifications or complex rewiring
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes pre-configured adaptor units and software modules that are prepared in advance for specific avionics systems. These pre-configured components can be quickly connected and activated, reducing the time and complexity of reconfiguration while maintaining accurate test setups. The adaptor units come with built-in configuration data that automatically configures the test parameters when connected
Data Source
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AI summary
Test apparatus comprising: -a computer-implemented core test unit (12) having loaded therein a plurality of software modules, each software module having a driver (14a) associated therewith, and being configured, when activated, to perform a respective specified test by simulating a predetermined condition, generating at least one stimulus signal and receiving response data; -a plurality of adaptor units (16), each adaptor unit being configured to be connected between said core test unit (12) and a unit under test (18) so as to facilitate data transfer therebetween, wherein each adaptor unit (16) is associated with a respective software module of said core test unit (12) and includes a data storage module having stored therein operational data configured to activate a specified software module, including a respective driver (14a), when it is connected and said operational data is transferred to said core test unit (12), in use, and each said adaptor unit (16) being configured to effect data transfer between said respective specified software module, when activated, and said unit under test (18) by transmitting said at least one stimulus signal received from said specified software module to said unit under test and transmitting said response data received from said unit under test to said specified software module; and -a user interface module (10) configured to output, in use, test data generated using said response data.