Two-Wire Power and Serial Link for Intrinsically Safe Avionics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Avionics systems face challenges with increased weight, complexity, and cost due to multiple wires for power and data communication, which also compromise reliability and safety in flammable environments.
Innovation Solution
A two-wire power and serial communication system using a resistor network, current limiters, and voltage regulators to transmit power and data, ensuring intrinsic safety and fault tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple wires are used for power and data communication, then power and data can be transmitted reliably, but weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and data communication into a single two-wire interface. The same pair of wires used for serial communication also carries power signals, eliminating the need for separate power wiring. This merging of functions directly reduces wire weight while maintaining reliable power and data transmission through the shared medium.
2Reliability
If multiple wires are used for power and data communication, then power and data can be transmitted reliably, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges power delivery and serial communication into a single two-wire interface, eliminating separate power connections and reducing wiring complexity. The same wires carry both data signals and power, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing the number of connectors and wiring harnesses required.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-wire interface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides bidirectional serial communication and bidirectional power transmission. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated power wires and simplifies the system design, making the same infrastructure serve both data and power needs.
3Reliability
If conventional power conditioning is used, then power bus variation is corrected, but switched mode power supply adds weight and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The remote device performs its own power regulation and conditioning functions using local circuitry. Instead of relying on heavy external switched-mode power supplies, each device self-regulates the power it receives, converting and conditioning power locally to adapt to bus variations. This eliminates the need for heavy external power conditioning equipment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If active sensors are placed in flammable environment, then sensing capability is improved, but intrinsic safety requirements increase cost
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the electrical parameters of the communication interface to intrinsically safe levels. By operating at low voltage and current thresholds that cannot cause ignition in flammable environments, the system enables active sensors to be deployed in hazardous areas without requiring complex safety certification or additional safety equipment.
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 system reduces weight, complexity, and cost while enhancing reliability and safety in flammable environments by utilizing a two-wire configuration with resistor networks and current/voltage limiters.
Implementation Method 1
powering a voltage regulator using a steering diode and forward biasing the steering diode
Implementation Method 2
powering a hold up capacitor using the received power signal
Implementation Method 3
monitoring by the in board computer a voltage drop across the resistor network
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A power and data communication system including an inboard computer system that includes a resistor network, an outboard computer system that includes at least one current limiter and voltage limiter that receives power from the inboard computer in order to power electronics of the outboard computer, and first and second wires connecting the resistor network to the at least one current limiter.