Two-Wire Power and Communication System for Remote Aircraft Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power and communication systems for remote aircraft components require multiple wires, leading to increased weight and cost, and pose safety risks due to electromagnetic interference and flammable zone exposure, necessitating improved solutions for power conditioning and communication.
Innovation Solution
A two-wire power and communication system that uses voltage modification encoding to transmit data and power between modules, allowing for bi-directional communication and power delivery over a single pair of wires, with intrinsic safety features to mitigate electromagnetic interference and hot short threats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple wires are used for power and communication, then power delivery and communication reliability are improved, but wire weight and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power delivery and communication functions into a single two-wire interface. The same pair of wires that carries power also carries bidirectional serial communication signals, eliminating the need for separate communication wiring and reducing overall wire weight while maintaining reliability through protocol-level error handling
Solution Approach 2:
The two-wire interface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power delivery, bidirectional communication, and even fault detection capabilities. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require separate dedicated wires for each function, significantly reducing wire count and weight
2Reliability
If switched mode power supply is used for power conditioning, then power bus variation is corrected, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The remote module performs self-powering by harvesting energy from the two-wire interface itself. The power management circuitry integrated into the module automatically regulates and conditions power from the bus without requiring external switched mode power supplies, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliable power conditioning
3Adaptability or versatility
If active sensors are located in flammable zone environment, then sensing capability is improved, but intrinsic safety requirements increase cost
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements intrinsic safety by strictly controlling electrical parameters (voltage and current limits) on the two-wire interface. By maintaining power delivery within certified safe parameters, the system allows sensor placement in flammable zones without requiring complex additional safety systems, as the electrical energy itself is limited to non-igniting levels
Data Source
AI summary
A system (e.g., a power and communication system for remote components) can include a first wire, a second wire, and a first module operatively connected to the first and second wire. The first module can be configured to output power to and to communicate over the first wire and second wire. The system can include a second module operatively connected to the first module by the first wire and the second wire. The second module can be configured to receive power from the first module and to communicate with the first module over the first wire and/or second wire. The first module can be configured to modify a voltage on at least the first wire to signal to the second module to provide serial communication to the first module via the first wire and/or second wire.