Reconfigurable Wireless Modem Adapter for Avionics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft owners face challenges in upgrading their avionics to emerging data service technologies due to the long lifespan of aircraft and the high costs associated with installing and certifying new avionics, as well as deciding on the most cost-effective and performance-oriented data service providers across different regions.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable wireless modem adapter that includes a control board and a radio frequency switch, capable of communicatively coupling multiple modems and antennas to onboard systems, allowing selection of the most cost-effective and performance-oriented data service provider based on location and user criteria, enabling seamless upgrades without extensive downtime or recertification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional avionics installations are used, then reliability is maintained, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to easily upgrade to new data service technologies
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different modem technologies (3G, WiFi, WiMax) based on current operational needs and available service providers. The control board can activate different modems and the RF switch can reconfigure antenna connections in real-time, allowing the avionics to adapt to emerging technologies while maintaining reliable operation through controlled transitions between technologies.
Solution Approach 2:
The control board is designed with multiple modem interfaces and a reconfigurable RF switch that can connect antennas to different modems, creating a universal platform that supports multiple data service technologies (3G, WiFi, WiMax) within a single avionics installation. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain reliability while gaining adaptability to various service providers and technologies.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new data service technologies are adopted, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases due to multiple modem interfaces and RF switching components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple modem interfaces and RF switching functionality into a single integrated control board unit. By merging these components and their control logic into one device, the system achieves multi-provider adaptability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity compared to having separate systems for each modem type.
Solution Approach 2:
The control board acts as an intermediary between the antennas and multiple modems, managing the complexity of RF switching and modem selection centrally. This mediator approach consolidates control functions and simplifies the system architecture compared to having distributed control for each modem-antenna connection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If avionics are upgraded to new technologies, then adaptability improves, but loss of time increases due to installation and certification requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control board is pre-configured with multiple modem interfaces and RF switching capability during manufacturing, allowing the avionics to be installed once and then reconfigured software-definedly to support different data service technologies. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for physical reinstallation and recertification when upgrading to new technologies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables technology upgrades through parameter changes (software configuration, modem activation settings) rather than physical hardware changes. The control board can be reconfigured to activate different modems and change RF switch settings to support new data service technologies without requiring installation or certification procedures.
4Productivity
If service provider selection is optimized for cost and performance, then productivity improves, but device complexity increases due to selection and switching logic
Solution Approach 1:
The control board incorporates automated selection logic that independently evaluates available service providers based on cost and performance criteria, and automatically activates the optimal modem without requiring complex external control systems. This self-service capability improves productivity through optimized service selection while minimizing the increase in device complexity by embedding simple decision logic within the existing control board.
Data Source
AI summary
A reconfigurable wireless modem adapter is provided. The reconfigurable wireless modem adapter includes a control board and a radio frequency switch. The control board has at least two interfaces for a respective at least two modems and is configured to communicatively couple to at least one onboard system in a vehicle. The control board activates a selected modem interfaced to one of the at least two interfaces. The radio frequency switch is communicatively coupled to the control board via the selected one of the at least one modem. The radio frequency switch communicatively couples an antenna to the selected modem. When the control board is communicatively coupled to the at least one onboard system and activates the selected modem, and when the radio frequency switch is communicatively coupled to the antenna, the antenna is communicatively coupled to the at least one onboard system via the selected modem.