Pluggable Active Optical Connector for Modular Avionics LRUs
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design and re-design of LRUs with built-in transceivers in electrical avionics systems is costly and inconsistent among suppliers, and existing optical connectors are prone to exposure to dust and moisture during maintenance, requiring complex redesign and certification processes.
Innovation Solution
A pluggable active optical connector (PAOC) that converts electrical signals to optical signals and vice versa, adaptable to various data protocols, and compatible with both single-fiber and dual-fiber bidirectional data links, allowing for modular connection to LRUs without internal transceivers, thus eliminating the need for redesign and reducing exposure to environmental hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If LRUs are equipped with built-in transceivers for optical communication, then optical communication capability is achieved, but design cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical communication function into separate modular components: the LRU retains its electrical interface while the optical transceiver functionality is moved to an external pluggable optical connector. This segmentation eliminates the need to integrate complex transceiver circuits within each LRU, reducing design complexity while maintaining optical communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pluggable optical connector is designed as a universal interface that can be connected to different LRU types without requiring custom transceiver designs for each LRU. This multi-functional approach allows a single optical connector design to serve multiple LRU configurations, significantly reducing overall system design complexity and cost.
2Ease of repair
If optical connectors are exposed during maintenance for cable replacement, then ease of repair is improved, but exposure to dust and moisture increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical interface is nested within a protective connector housing that encloses the optical contacts when not in use. During maintenance, only the external cable needs to be replaced while the protected optical connector remains in place, allowing easy repair without exposing sensitive optical components to environmental hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The pluggable optical connector serves as an intermediary component between the LRU and external cables. It provides a protected interface that can be easily disconnected and reconnected during maintenance, allowing cable replacement without exposing the LRU's internal optical components to dust and moisture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If new optical transceiver designs are developed for different LRU types, then adaptability to various LRUs is achieved, but design consistency and certification cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal pluggable optical connector design that can interface with multiple LRU types through standardized connection mechanisms. This single adaptable design maintains consistency across different LRU applications, eliminating the need for multiple custom transceiver designs and simplifying the certification process.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical connector incorporates flexible electrical connections through flex circuits that can adapt to different mounting configurations and LRU types. This dynamic design allows the same optical connector to accommodate various LRU form factors while maintaining electrical and optical connectivity, ensuring both adaptability and design consistency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The PAOC provides a cost-effective, adaptable, and reliable solution for optical communication in avionics systems, reducing design complexity and maintenance challenges while ensuring consistent performance across different LRUs.
Implementation Method 1
a laser device having an active region configured to convert electrical signals to optical signals
Implementation Method 2
a photodetector having a depletion region configured to convert optical signals received from the optical fiber to electrical signals
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus configured to function as a pluggable active optical connector that is modular with one or more channels and that converts electrical signals to optical signals and vice versa. On one side, the apparatus has a pluggable electrical interface to a line replaceable unit (LRU); on the other side the apparatus has a pluggable optical interface side to an aircraft fiber optic wiring bundle. The apparatus is pluggable to different types of LRUs including rack-mounted and bolted-down LRUs. The apparatus includes electronic and photonic components sufficient to enable electrical/optical conversion totally within a standard-sized aircraft connector. The apparatus is adaptable to various data communication protocols and has the flexibility to be used in either a single-fiber or a dual-fiber bidirectional data link.