Reconfigurable Optical Backplane for Aircraft Communication Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft communication networks are cumbersome and inflexible, relying on extensive electrical wiring that is difficult to maintain and modify, leading to high costs and maintenance challenges, especially in complex environments like aircraft cabins, where adaptability to new equipment or services is limited.
Innovation Solution
An optical backplane for an optical communication network architecture that includes an optical wavelength demultiplexer, multiplexer, couplers, and routing devices, allowing for the configuration and reconfiguration of data channels without modifying the network architecture, enabling the distribution of multiple services to various equipment and supporting adaptability by switching data channels as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical wiring is installed throughout the aircraft cabin to interconnect equipment, then communication between equipment is enabled, but the system complexity increases and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical electrical wiring system with an optical communication system using optical fibers and optical switches. The optical backplane uses optical wavelengths to transmit data signals, substituting the traditional electrical conductor-based system with a light-based system that is more reliable and easier to maintain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical backplane with optical switches as an intermediary device that consolidates multiple wiring connections. Instead of direct point-to-point electrical connections between all equipment, the optical backplane serves as a central mediation point that routes optical signals to various equipment, simplifying the overall network topology.
2Ease of operation
If extensive electrical wiring is installed in difficult-to-access zones under the floor or in the ceiling, then equipment interconnection is achieved, but installation and maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical backplane serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a communication hub, a routing device, and a reconfiguration interface. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate wiring routes and connection points, allowing installation and maintenance to be performed through a single accessible location rather than requiring access to multiple difficult-to-reach zones throughout the aircraft.
3Ease of operation
If point-to-point wiring connections are made from avionic cabinets to equipment, then data distribution is enabled, but the system lacks adaptability for modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability through optical switches on the optical backplane that can change connection routes in real-time based on operational requirements. This dynamic capability allows the network topology to be modified without physical rewiring, enabling easy addition of new equipment or changes in service requirements while maintaining existing infrastructure.
4Reliability
If all wiring is replaced during aircraft cabin retrofit, then the communication network is updated, but maintenance time and aircraft immobilization increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical backplane is designed with pre-configured optical switching capabilities and standardized interfaces that allow for incremental deployment and phased retrofits. Rather than requiring complete system replacement, the optical backplane can be installed in stages, with each unit providing immediate functionality and enabling progressive migration from the old electrical system to the new optical system, minimizing aircraft downtime.
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
This solution reduces maintenance costs and complexity by allowing for flexible reconfiguration of the communication network, enabling the addition of new equipment and services without altering the physical topology, thus enhancing adaptability and reducing weight and installation time.
Implementation Method 1
an optical wavelength demultiplexer including: an input port configured for being coupled to an optical fiber for carrying at least two multiplexed channels of different wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
the optical wavelength multiplexer being configured to combine the control and management channel and the at least one channel dedicated to a service received and wavelength-division multiplex them onto the optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
An optical backplane for an optical communication network architecture distributing data to equipment. An optical demultiplexer having an input port and at least two output ports. The input port coupled to an optical fiber to carry at least two multiplexed channels of different wavelengths, a control/management channel to control/manage the network and a service dedicated channel. The output ports deliver the control/management channel and at least one service dedicated channel. A coupler receives and transmits one portion of the control/management channel to an interface box coupled to an item of equipment, and another portion of said channel to an optical multiplexer. A routing device for each output port receives a channel either to transmit said channel to the optical multiplexer in a first position or to transmit one portion of said channel to the interface box and another portion of said channel to the optical multiplexer in a second position.