Single-Fiber Avionics Data Links Using Dual-Wavelength Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft data networks fail to efficiently transmit and receive mission data, configuration data, and health maintenance data over a single optical fiber, with existing solutions causing interference and inefficiencies, and health maintenance data over a single optical fiber, with existing solutions causing interference and inefficiencies, and health maintenance data over a single optical fiber, with existing solutions causing interference and inefficiencies, and health maintenance data over a single optical fiber.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a single optical fiber network that operates with two wavelengths of light, the implementation of a single optical fiber network that operates with only two wavelengths of light, the implementation of a single optical fiber network that operates with only two wavelengths of light, the implementation of a single optical fiber network that operates with only two wavelengths of light, the implementation of a single optical fiber network that operates with only two wavelengths of light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple pairs of copper wiring are used to transmit different data types simultaneously, then data transmission capacity is improved, but aircraft weight and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple data transmission functions (sensing data, control data, configuration data, health maintenance data) into a single optical fiber using wavelength division multiplexing. Different wavelengths carry different data types simultaneously, merging what would traditionally require separate cable pairs into one unified medium, thereby reducing weight while maintaining full data transmission capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from electrical signal transmission over copper wiring to optical signal transmission over fiber optic cable. This parameter change from electrical to optical domain enables higher bandwidth and allows multiple data streams to be multiplexed on a single fiber, achieving the same or better productivity with reduced weight and complexity
2Device complexity
If health maintenance data is time shared with control data on the same data link, then wiring complexity is reduced, but control data latency and jitter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transmission by assigning different wavelengths to different data types. Control data and sensing data occupy one wavelength channel, while configuration and health maintenance data occupy another wavelength channel. This segmentation allows simultaneous transmission without time-sharing, eliminating the latency and jitter that would result from multiplexing control data with other traffic
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber with wavelength division multiplexing acts as an intermediary that separates different data types into distinct wavelength channels. This intermediary mechanism allows multiple data streams to coexist on the same physical medium without interfering with each other, maintaining low latency for time-critical control data while enabling concurrent transmission of non-critical data
3Reliability
If additional electrical cabling and connectors are added to each aircraft computer for dedicated health maintenance data links, then data transmission reliability is improved, but LRU cost and aircraft weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber infrastructure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it carries sensing data, control data, configuration data, and health maintenance data through wavelength division multiplexing. This universal medium replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate cable connections to each LRU, reducing LRU complexity and connector count while maintaining reliable dedicated channels for each data type through wavelength separation
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
Achieves efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly simultaneous transmission of avionics data services over a single optical fiber, reducing latency and jitter, and eliminating the need for additional wiring, thereby minimizing critical data latency and jitter, and reducing the weight and cost of aircraft systems.
Implementation Method 1
an optical transceiver comprising a first optical transmitter and receiver pair configured for operation at a first wavelength and a second optical transmitter and receiver pair configured for operation at a second wavelength
Implementation Method 2
said first optical transmitter and receiver pair comprises a first filter, said first filter configured to pass optical signals from a transmitter portion of said first optical transmitter and receiver pair, pass optical signals at the first wavelength to a receiver portion of said first optical transmitter and receiver pair, and prevent optical signals at the second wavelength from impinging the receiver portion
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for transmission of multiple, independent data packages across a single optical fiber utilizing both time division multiplexing and wavelength division multiplexing is described. The method includes transmitting a first data package across the single optical fiber at a first wavelength and transmitting a second data package across the same optical fiber at a second wavelength, in either the same direction or in a direction opposite as the first data package, wherein the second data package transmission may be concurrent with the first data package transmission. The method further includes separating the data package transmissions into two optical paths, filtering the second wavelength from a first of the two optical paths, detecting the first data package at the first wavelength, filtering the first wavelength from a second of the two optical paths, and detecting the second data package data at the second wavelength.