Non-1553 Overlay on MIL-STD-1553 Bus for High-Bandwidth Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing MIL-STD-1553 communication systems are bandwidth inefficient, limiting data transfer capacity to 1 Mbps, and require rewiring for upgrades, which is complex, costly, and disruptive to aircraft systems.
Innovation Solution
An overlay communication system with a non-1553 data communication overlay system that includes a non-1553 bus controller terminal and remote terminal, using configurable Power Spectral Density (PSD) signals to transmit non-1553 signals on the primary and redundant buses, allowing for increased data transfer capacity without rewiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If MIL-STD-1553 signaling scheme is used, then communication reliability is ensured, but data transfer capacity is limited to 1 Mbps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second communication dimension by overlaying a non-1553 signaling scheme (operating at higher frequencies, e.g., 10-100 MHz) on top of the existing 1553 bus infrastructure. This allows simultaneous operation of both 1553 and non-1553 communications on the same physical medium, effectively multiplying the total data transfer capacity without compromising the reliability of critical 1553 communications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the signaling parameters by using different frequency ranges and modulation schemes. The non-1553 scheme operates at frequencies significantly higher than the 1 MHz center frequency of 1553, utilizing the available bandwidth up to the cable's cutoff frequency. This parameter change enables higher data rates while the dual-bus architecture ensures that 1553 reliability requirements are maintained.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new equipment is retrofitted to existing airframe, then system functionality is enhanced, but wiring complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing 1553 bus infrastructure multi-functional by enabling it to carry both traditional 1553 traffic and new high-speed non-1553 traffic simultaneously. This universality allows new equipment to be integrated without adding new wiring, as the existing bus serves dual purposes: maintaining legacy communications while supporting modern high-bandwidth applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the communication infrastructure in the form of an overlay network. Instead of physically duplicating the wiring harness, the system uses signal processing and spectral separation to create a parallel communication channel that behaves like a separate physical medium, thereby avoiding the complexity of actual wiring duplication.
3Productivity
If higher frequency signaling is used to increase data capacity, then bandwidth efficiency improves, but cable becomes lossy and unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic time-division multiplexing where 1553 and non-1553 transmissions are scheduled in alternating time slots. During non-1553 transmission periods, the system uses higher frequencies for increased capacity, while during 1553 periods, the lower frequencies are used for reliable critical communications. This periodic switching allows the system to exploit high-frequency bandwidth when needed while maintaining signal stability during 1553 operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary signaling scheme that acts as a bridge between the low-frequency 1553 world and the high-frequency high-capacity requirements. The non-1553 scheme uses frequencies in the 10-100 MHz range, which is higher than 1553 but still below the cable's cutoff frequency, serving as an intermediate frequency band that provides enhanced capacity while remaining within the cable's stable operating range.
4Reliability
If dual redundant bus architecture is maintained, then communication reliability is ensured, but available bandwidth for each bus is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a vertical dimension to the bandwidth problem by introducing frequency-division multiplexing on top of the existing dual-bus architecture. Each physical bus maintains its redundant role for 1553 communications, but simultaneously carries non-1553 traffic in the higher frequency spectrum. This creates a three-dimensional bandwidth structure: two physical buses providing redundancy, with each bus offering both low-frequency and high-frequency channels.
Data Source
AI summary
A 1553 data communication system having a primary data bus, a redundant data bus and a non-1553 data communication overlay system is provided. The non-1553 data communication overlay system comprises a non-1553 bus controller terminal and a non-1553 remote terminal. Each non-1553 terminal includes a non-1553 transmitter block connected to the primary bus and the redundant bus for sending non-1553 signals, a non-1553 receiver block for receiving non-1553 signals and a non-1553 receive path selection block. The non-1553 receive path selection block selectively establishes a receive path between the primary data bus or the redundant data bus and the non-1553 receiver block according to predefined receive path selection criteria. A 1553 data communication method is also provided.