U.S. patent application number 10/387169 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-16 for modular aircraft information network system and an associated method of packaging the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Boeing Company. Invention is credited to Royalty, Charles D..
Application Number | 20040180653 10/387169 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32908224 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040180653 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Royalty, Charles D. |
September 16, 2004 |
MODULAR AIRCRAFT INFORMATION NETWORK SYSTEM AND AN ASSOCIATED
METHOD OF PACKAGING THE SAME
Abstract
A modular aircraft information system is provided for
communicating information onboard an aircraft. The modular aircraft
information system includes a backplane and a network router
module, and may include an avionics interface module. The backplane
is capable of receiving at least one COTS device such that the COTS
devices can be electrically coupled and/or decoupled to the
backplane. The network router module can interface with at least
one avionics device. The network router module is in electrical
communication with the backplane and the avionics interface module
such that the network router module is capable of passing
communications between the COTS devices and the avionics devices
when the COTS devices are electrically coupled to the backplane.
The network router is also capable of isolating the backplane from
the avionics devices such that the COTS devices, when electrically
coupled to the backplane, are at least partially isolated from the
avionics devices.
Inventors: |
Royalty, Charles D.;
(Bellevue, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALSTON & BIRD LLP
BANK OF AMERICA PLAZA
101 SOUTH TRYON STREET, SUITE 4000
CHARLOTTE
NC
28280-4000
US
|
Assignee: |
The Boeing Company
Chicago
IL
|
Family ID: |
32908224 |
Appl. No.: |
10/387169 |
Filed: |
March 12, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/431 ;
455/427 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 67/12 20130101;
H04L 29/06 20130101; H04L 49/351 20130101; H04L 69/329 20130101;
B64D 47/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/431 ;
455/427 |
International
Class: |
H04Q 007/20 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A modular aircraft information system for communicating
information onboard an aircraft, the modular aircraft information
system comprising: a backplane capable of receiving at least one
commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) device such that the at least one
COTS device is capable of being at least one of electrically
coupled and decoupled to the backplane a network router module
capable of interfacing with at least one avionics device, wherein
the network router module is in electrical communication with the
backplane and the at least one avionics device such that the
network router module is capable of passing communications between
the at least one COTS device and the at least one avionics device
when at least one COTS device is electrically coupled to the
backplane, and wherein the network router is capable of isolating
the backplane from the at least one avionics device such that the
at least one COTS device, when electrically coupled to the
backplane, is at least partially isolated from the at least one
avionics device.
2. A modular aircraft information system according to claim 1
further comprising at least one COTS device electrically coupled to
the backplane, wherein the COTS device comprises a server
processing element.
3. A modular aircraft information system according to claim 1
further comprising at least one power supply capable of supplying
power to the network router, wherein the at least one power supply
is electrically coupled to the backplane such that the at least one
power supply is capable of supplying power to the at least one COTS
device when the at least one COTS device is electrically coupled to
the backplane.
4. A modular aircraft information system according to claim 3,
wherein the at least one power supply is capable of providing a
predetermined level of power to the at least one COTS device when
the at least one COTS device is electrically coupled to the
backplane, wherein the at least one power supply further includes
at least one backup power module capable of supplying backup power
to the at least one COTS device when the at least one COTS device
is coupled to the backplane and the power supplied to the at least
one COTS device by the power supply drops below the predetermined
level, and wherein the at least one backup power module is capable
of supplying backup power such that the sum of the backup power and
the power supplied by the power supply substantially equals the
predetermined level of power.
5. A modular aircraft information system according to claim 1
further comprising a housing that defines an internal cavity,
wherein the internal cavity is capable of receiving the backplane
and the network router module, and wherein the internal cavity is
also capable of receiving at least one COTS device.
6. A modular aircraft information system according to claim 5,
wherein the housing is further capable of at least partially
isolating the backplane and the network module from an external
environment including the aircraft, and wherein the housing is
further capable of isolating at least one COTS device from the
external environment.
7. A modular aircraft information system according to claim 1,
wherein the network router module is capable of interfacing with at
least one avionics device via at least one optical fiber, and
wherein the network router module is in electrical communication
with the backplane via at least one electrical conductor.
8. A modular aircraft information system according to claim 1
further comprising an avionics interface module capable of
interfacing with at least one avionics device, wherein the network
router module is also in electrical communication with the avionics
interface module, wherein the network router module is further
capable of passing communications between the avionics interface
module and at least one COTS device when at least one COTS device
is electrically coupled to the backplane, and wherein the network
router is further capable of isolating the backplane from the
avionics interface module such that the at least one COTS device,
when electrically coupled to the backplane, is at least partially
isolated from the at least one avionics device interfacing with the
avionics interface module.
9. A modular aircraft information system according to claim 8,
wherein the avionics interface module is capable of interfacing
with at least one avionics device via at least one optical fiber,
and wherein the network router module is in electrical
communication with the backplane and the avionics interface module
via at least one electrical conductor.
10. A method of packaging a modular aircraft information system for
communicating information onboard an aircraft, the method
comprising: providing a backplane capable of receiving at least one
commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) device such that the COTS is
capable of being at least one of electrically coupled and decoupled
to the backplane; providing a network router module capable of
interfacing with at least one avionics device; and placing the
network router module in electrical communication with the
backplane such that the network router module is capable of passing
communications between the at least one COTS device and the at
least one avionics device when at least one COTS device is
electrically coupled to the backplane, wherein placing the network
router module in electrical communication further comprises
isolating the backplane from the at least one avionics device such
that the at least one COTS device, when electrically coupled to the
backplane, is at least partially isolated from the at least one
avionics device; and securing the backplane and the network router
module within an internal cavity defined by a housing, and
thereafter closing the internal cavity to thereby at least
partially isolate the backplane and the network router module from
an external environment.
11. A method according to claim 10 further comprising electrically
coupling at least one COTS device to the backplane before closing
the internal cavity, wherein the COTS device comprises a server
processing element, and wherein securing the backplane and the
network router module further comprises securing the at least one
COTS device within the internal cavity.
12. A method according to claim 10 further comprising electrically
coupling at least one power supply to the backplane and the network
router, wherein the power supply is electrically coupled to the
backplane and the network router before closing the internal
cavity.
13. A method according to claim 12 further comprising electrically
coupling at least one COTS device to the backplane before closing
the internal cavity, wherein the at least one power supply is
electrically coupled to the backplane such that the at least one
power supply is capable of providing a predetermined level of power
to the at least one COTS device, wherein the at least one power
supply further includes at least one backup power module capable of
supplying backup power to the at least one COTS device when the
power supplied to the COTS device by the power supply drops below
the predetermined level, and wherein the at least one power supply
is electrically coupled to the backplane so that the at least one
backup power module is capable of supplying backup power such that
the sum of the backup power and the power supplied by the power
supply substantially equals the predetermined level of power.
14. A method according to claim 10 further comprising interfacing
the network router module with at least one avionics device via at
least one optical fiber, wherein placing a network router module in
electrical communication with the backplane comprises placing the
network router module in electrical communication with the
backplane via at least one electrical conductor.
15. A method according to claim 10 further comprising: providing an
avionics interface module capable of interfacing with at least one
avionics device, wherein placing a network router module in
electrical communication with the backplane further comprises
placing the network router module in electrical communication with
the avionics interface module such that the network router module
is capable of passing communications between the avionics interface
module and at least one COTS device when at least one COTS device
is electrically coupled to the backplane, and wherein placing the
network router module in electrical communication further comprises
isolating the backplane from the avionics interface module such
that the at least one COTS device, when electrically coupled to the
backplane, is at least partially isolated from the at least one
avionics device.
16. A method according to claim 5 further comprising interfacing
the avionics interface module with at least one avionics device via
at least one optical fiber, wherein placing a network router module
in electrical communication with the backplane and the avionics
interface module comprises placing the network router module in
electrical communication with the backplane and the avionics
interface module via at least one electrical conductor.
17. A modular aircraft information system for communicating
information onboard an aircraft, the modular aircraft information
system comprising: at least one commercial off-the-shelf (COTS)
device; at least one avionics device; and a network router module
in electrical communication with the at least one COTS device and
the at least one avionics device, wherein the network router module
is capable of passing communications between the at least one COTS
device and the at least one avionics device, and wherein the
network router is capable of isolating the at least one COTS device
from the at least one avionics device.
18. A modular aircraft information system according to claim 17
further comprising a backplane in electrical communication with the
network router, wherein the backplane is capable of receiving the
COTS device such that the COTS is capable of being at least one of
electrically coupled and decoupled to the backplane.
19. A modular aircraft information system according to claim 17
further comprising at least one power supply capable of supplying
power to the avionics interface module and the network router,
wherein the at least one power supply is electrically coupled to
the at least one COTS device such that the at least one power
supply is capable of supplying power to the at least one COTS
device.
20. A modular aircraft information system according to claim 19,
wherein the at least one power supply is capable of providing a
predetermined level of power to the at least one COTS device,
wherein the at least one power supply further includes at least one
backup power module capable of supplying backup power to the at
least one COTS device when the power supplied to the COTS device by
the power supply drops below the predetermined level, and wherein
the at least one backup power module is capable of supplying backup
power such that the sum of the backup power and the power supplied
by the power supply substantially equals the predetermined level of
power.
21. A modular aircraft information system for communicating
information onboard an aircraft, the modular aircraft information
system comprising: at least one commercial off-the-shelf (COTS)
device; an avionics interface module capable of interfacing with at
least one avionics device; and a network router module in
electrical communication with the at least one COTS device and the
avionics interface module, wherein the network router module is
capable of passing communications between the at least one COTS
device and the avionics interface module, and wherein the network
router is capable of isolating the at least one COTS device from
the avionics interface module such that the at least one COTS
device is at least partially isolated from the at least one
avionics device.
22. A modular aircraft information system according to claim 21
further comprising a backplane in electrical communication with the
network router, wherein the backplane is capable of receiving the
COTS device such that the COTS is capable of being at least one of
electrically coupled and decoupled to the backplane.
23. A modular aircraft information system according to claim 21
further comprising at least one power supply capable of supplying
power to the avionics interface module and the network router,
wherein the at least one power supply is electrically coupled to
the at least one COTS device such that the at least one power
supply is capable of supplying power to the at least one COTS
device.
24. A modular aircraft information system according to claim 23,
wherein the at least one power supply is capable of providing a
predetermined level of power to the at least one COTS device,
wherein the at least one power supply further includes at least one
backup power module capable of supplying backup power to the at
least one COTS device when the power supplied to the COTS device by
the power supply drops below the predetermined level, and wherein
the at least one backup power module is capable of supplying backup
power such that the sum of the backup power and the power supplied
by the power supply substantially equals the predetermined level of
power.
25. A modular aircraft information system according to claim 21,
wherein the avionics interface module is capable of interfacing
with at least one avionics device via at least one optical fiber,
and wherein the network router module is in electrical
communication with the at least one COTS device and the avionics
interface module via at least one electrical conductor.
26. A modular aircraft information system according to claim 21,
wherein the network router module is capable of interfacing with at
least one avionics device, wherein the network router module is
capable of interfacing with at least one avionics device via at
least one optical fiber, and wherein the network router module is
in electrical communication with the at least one COTS device and
the avionics interface module via at least one electrical
conductor.
27. A modular aircraft information system for communicating
information onboard an aircraft, the modular aircraft information
system comprising: a backplane capable of receiving at least one
commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) device such that the COTS is
capable of being at least one of electrically coupled and decoupled
to the backplane; at least one avionics device; and a network
router module in electrical communication with the backplane and
the at least one avionics device, wherein the network router module
is capable of passing communications between the at least one COTS
device and the at least one avionics device when at least one COTS
device is electrically coupled to the backplane, and wherein the
network router is capable of isolating the backplane from the at
least one avionics device such that the at least one COTS device,
when electrically coupled to the backplane, is at least partially
isolated from the at least one avionics device.
28. A modular aircraft information system according to claim 27
further comprising at least one COTS device electrically coupled to
the backplane, wherein the COTS device comprises a server
processing element.
29. A modular aircraft information system according to claim 27
further comprising at least one power supply capable of supplying
power to the network router, wherein the at least one power supply
is electrically coupled to the backplane such that the at least one
power supply is capable of supplying power to the at least one COTS
device when the at least one COTS device is electrically coupled to
the backplane.
30. A modular aircraft information system according to claim 29,
wherein the at least one power supply is capable of providing a
predetermined level of power to the at least one COTS device when
the at least one COTS device is electrically coupled to the
backplane, wherein the at least one power supply further includes
at least one backup power module capable of supplying backup power
to the at least one COTS device when the at least one COTS device
is coupled to the backplane and the power supplied to the COTS
device by the power supply drops below the predetermined level, and
wherein the at least one backup power module is capable of
supplying backup power such that the sum of the backup power and
the power supplied by the power supply substantially equals the
predetermined level of power.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to aircraft
information networks and, more particularly, relates to a modular
aircraft information network utilizing commercial off-the-shelf
technology.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In the aircraft industry, there is an increasing interest in
the use of non-aviation computer technology, often termed
commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technology, in non-essential
aircraft applications. This interest is driven, in part, by the
low-cost availability of advanced applications and equipment
developed for the large commercial computing market. As will be
appreciated, however, the aircraft industry poses significant
design, operational, and regulatory burdens on equipment utilized
in aircraft. Also, equipment utilized in aircraft must typically
interoperate with ground-based functions utilized during operation
of aircraft. In addition, the technologies required for successful
implementation of a single function aboard an aircraft are rarely
completely designed by a single company. The universal
implementation of such technologies is typically organized into
interfacing layers, with hardware, lower level software, middleware
and applications provided by a vast network of companies.
Implementation of similar functions for aircraft use can
theoretically follow one of two paths: (a) meet all of the standard
design and production objectives by having one or more companies
specifically contracted to produce the functions; or (b) plan to
acquire major portions of the required hardware and software
functionality by the purchase of predefined products that are
integrated by one or more companies specifically contracted to
produce the functions.
[0003] Typically, the only economically feasible solution to the
implementation of similar functions for aircraft use is to acquire
major portions of technology in the form of purchased products
which are, of necessity, not specifically designed for aircraft use
(i.e., COTS devices). Such a conclusion is not new. Efforts to
deploy aircraft COTS technologies began more than a decade ago as
it became obvious that functional and performance requirements
precluded traditional custom avionics development. As will be
appreciated, there are significant differences in regulatory and
environmental-related requirements between traditional aviation
electronics and non-aviation COTS electronics regardless of the
COTS market source. In this regard, experience has shown that some
of these differences are so high that life-cycle costs may not be
reduced in all instances, and can even be increased, if appropriate
design and process changes are not implemented for systems using
COTS components.
[0004] Typically, to successfully produce a part for use aboard an
aircraft, five major steps must be accomplished: equipment
production, equipment qualification, aircraft installation
(including integration), aircraft certification, and aircraft
operation (continued airworthiness). As will be appreciated, then,
each of these steps involves substantially higher cost than any
equivalent process in other markets. During the past efforts to
deploy aircraft COTS technologies, progress has been made toward
reducing design, production and aircraft certification costs for
the use of COTS equipment. However, the expense of qualification,
installation and rapid obsolescence continue to keep costs high
enough for this type of equipment that the airline industry has
found it difficult to justify its expense.
[0005] As an example of how the expense of qualification,
installation and rapid obsolescence continue to keep costs high for
COTS technologies, consider that many systems aboard aircraft can
be designed to include both COTS technologies and aircraft-specific
technologies. Also, consider that many systems employed aboard
aircraft are embodied in separate enclosures, referred to as line
replaceable units (LRU's), which are interconnected as a federated
network. Typically, each LRU must be qualified before the aircraft
can be operated with an installed LRU. As will be appreciated then,
each LRU must also typically be qualified after any additions,
reductions or other modifications are made to the LRU. Such a
qualification, while beneficial in identifying any problems with
the LRU's before use in an aircraft, typically requires
qualification of the entire LRU, regardless of the modification. In
this regard, qualifications of LRU's can require an undesirable
amount of time to complete, and can be costly. By utilizing COTS
technology with a reduced service life, or higher obsolescence, in
LRU's that may otherwise have a higher service life, LRU's
employing COTS technology will typically go through a larger number
of costly qualifications, as compared to LRU's employing only
aircraft-specific technology.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In light of the foregoing background, the present invention
provides a modular aircraft information network system and an
associated method of packaging the same. The modular aircraft
information network system of embodiments of the present invention
is a less costly network than conventional aircraft information
networks. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention
reduce cost by sharing resources (e.g., power supply), and
utilizing less-costly connections between various, typically
internal, elements while consolidating more-costly, higher speed
connections between external elements. Embodiments of the present
invention also permit commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) devices to be
integrated into the network in a modular manner, with COTS devices
easily added to and/or removed from the network. In this regard,
the COTS devices are typically electrically, mechanically and
electro-magnetically isolated from avionic devices, as well as the
aircraft within which the network is installed. As such, COTS
devices can be added to or removed from the network without
requiring changes to, or requalification of, remaining avionic
devices, including those that may operate with the COTS
devices.
[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a modular
aircraft information system is provided for communicating
information onboard an aircraft. The modular aircraft information
system includes a backplane and a network router module, and may
also include an avionics interface module. The backplane is capable
of receiving at least one COTS device. The backplane can receive
the COTS devices such that the COTS devices are capable of being
electrically coupled and/or decoupled to the backplane. The network
router module is capable of interfacing with at least one avionics
device. The network router module is in electrical communication
with the backplane such that the network router module is capable
of passing communications between the COTS devices and the avionics
devices when the COTS devices are electrically coupled to the
backplane. The network router module can be capable of interfacing
with the avionics devices via at least one optical fiber. In turn,
the network router module can be in electrical communication with
the backplane via at least one electrical conductor.
Advantageously, the network router is capable of isolating the
backplane from the avionics devices such that the COTS devices,
when electrically coupled to the backplane, are at least partially
isolated from the avionics devices.
[0008] As indicated, the system may also include an avionics
interface module. In such instances, the avionics interface module
may also interface with at least one avionics device. Also in such
instances, the network router module can be further in electrical
communication with the backplane and the avionics interface module
such that the network router module is capable of passing
communications between the avionics interface module and the COTS
devices when the COTS devices are electrically coupled to the
backplane. Advantageously, the network router is also capable of
isolating the backplane from the avionics interface module such
that the COTS devices, when electrically coupled to the backplane,
are at least partially isolated from the avionics devices. Also,
the avionics interface module can be capable of interfacing with
the avionics devices via at least one optical fiber. In turn, the
network router module can be in electrical communication with the
backplane and the avionics interface module via at least one
electrical conductor.
[0009] The modular aircraft information system can also include at
least one power supply capable of supplying power to the network
router. In addition, the power supply is electrically coupled to
the backplane such that the power supply is capable of supplying
power, such as a predetermined level of power, to the COTS devices
when the COTS devices are electrically coupled to the backplane.
More particularly, the power supply can include at least one backup
power module capable of supplying backup power to the COTS devices
when the COTS devices are coupled to the backplane and the power
supplied to the COTS devices by the power supply drops below the
predetermined level. In this regard, the backup power modules are
capable of supplying backup power such that the sum of the backup
power and the power supplied by the power supply substantially
equals the predetermined level of power.
[0010] The modular aircraft information system can further include
a housing that defines an internal cavity. The internal cavity, in
turn, can be capable of receiving the backplane and the network
router module. In addition, the internal cavity can also be capable
of receiving the COTS devices. Advantageously, the housing can be
capable of at least partially isolating the backplane and the
network module from an external environment including the aircraft.
Similarly, the housing can isolate the COTS devices from the
external environment, such as from vibration, shock,
electromagnetic emissions, and/or temperature.
[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
method is provided for packaging a modular aircraft information
system. Embodiments of the present invention therefore provide a
modular aircraft information system and a method of packaging the
same. As described above and more fully below, the system and
method of embodiments of the present invention solve the problems
identified by aircraft networking prior techniques and provide
additional advantages.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Having thus described the invention in general terms,
reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are
not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a modular aircraft information
network according to one embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective block diagram of a modular aircraft
information network according to the embodiment of FIG. 1, where
various elements are secured within a housing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The present invention now will be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention
may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like
elements throughout.
[0016] The modular aircraft information network system of
embodiments of the present invention is designed to at least
partially isolate high-cost, aircraft-specific components and
technology from lower-cost, more rapidly changing, commercial
off-the-shelf (COTS) components and technology. As well known to
those skilled in the art, when compared to avionic devices, COTS
devices are typically characterized by larger production volumes,
shorter production life, limited government and/or private
regulation, shorter service life, small product safety impact,
lower regulated configuration control and part tracking, and
smaller warranties. For example, whereas a typical avionic device
may have a production life of three to eight years, a typical COTS
device may have a production life of only six months to two years.
Also, whereas a typical avionic device may have a service lifetime
of 20 years or more, a typical COTS device may have a service life
of 5 years or less. By isolating aircraft-specific, or avionic,
devices from COTS devices, embodiments of the present invention are
therefore capable of permitting the upgrade of components,
assemblies, and overall system capability over time at a much lower
cost than with traditional aircraft information systems.
[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, a modular aircraft information network
system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention
includes a backplane 12 capable of receiving at least one COTS
device 14 such that the COTS device can be electrically coupled
and/or decoupled to the backplane. The backplane can be adapted to
receive any number of different COTS devices, but is typically able
to receive at least two COTS devices. As known to those skilled in
the art, the backplane is generally an electronic circuit board
that includes circuitry and a plurality of slots into which the
COTS devices can be electrically coupled. The backplane can be
configured in accordance with any of a number of different
interconnection standards. In one advantageous embodiment, for
example, the backplane can be configured in accordance with any of
a number of standards that provides for plug-in cards with power
and network interfaces. For example, the backplane can be
configured in accordance with the Peripheral Component Interconnect
(PCI) standard or the CompactPCI standard (e.g., 3U or 6U form
factor CompactPCI). Alternatively, the backplane can be configured
in accordance with the VME standard, as such is well known to those
skilled in the art.
[0018] The COTS devices 14 can comprise any of a number of
different types of electronic devices, such as electronic devices
on circuit boards or cards that can be plugged into the slots to
electrically couple the COTS devices to the backplane 12. In this
regard, the COTS devices are typically configured to be compatible
with the interconnection standard of the backplane. In one typical
embodiment, the COTS devices 14 comprise server processing
elements. The COTS devices of this embodiment are capable of
operating in accordance with ARINC Characteristic 763 entitled:
Network Server System, published by Aeronautical Radio, Inc.
(hereinafter referred to as "ARINC 763"). More particularly, COTS
server processing elements are typically capable of providing
data/file storage, open systems processing and communication
services to electronic devices connected throughout the aircraft
local area network (LAN). For example, the COTS server processing
elements can provide data/file storage, open systems processing and
communication services to electronic devices such as pilot and
cockpit terminals, cabin terminals, maintenance terminals, network
printers, wireless LAN units, satellite transceivers and
terrestrial telephony units. The system 10 can include a plurality
of COTS server processing elements that are each capable of running
a different operating system, and optimized for a different
purpose, such as an application server or a file server.
Advantageously, then, the system provides increased flexibility to
the aircraft operator in the selection of applications and
equipment to support operations onboard the aircraft.
[0019] The COTS server processing elements 14 are designed to a
standard size, wiring interface, power and cooling requirements.
The COTS server processing elements are capable of functioning as
complete stand-alone processing elements, but typically receive
power from a common power source, described below. In this regard,
the COTS server processing elements do not each require a complex,
costly power supply. Each COTS server processing element may occupy
one or more slots in the backplane 12. To communicate with other
elements of the system 10, each COTS server processing element slot
in the backplane is provided with a high-speed network connection
(e.g., 10/100/1000 Mbps or higher), and may also include a signal
line to initiate a power-fail shutdown. In addition, each COTS
server processing element slot in the backplane may include other
standard interfaces, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB)
interface, to permit shop-servicing of modules and devices, such as
the COTS server processing elements, in the system.
[0020] In addition to the backplane 12 and COTS devices 14, the
system 10 may include at least one avionics device 16. The avionics
devices are typically avionic-specific devices and can include, for
example, KU-band satellite communications (BROADBAND) devices,
L-band satellite communications (SATCOM) devices, cabin wireless
LAN units (CWLAN(s)), terminal wireless LAN units (TWLAN),
printers, terminals, in-flight entertainment (IFE) devices, cabin
services systems (CSS) and electronic flight bags (EFB(s)). Also,
avionics devices can include a flight management computer (FMC), an
inertial reference unit (IRU), an air data computer (ADC), an air
data/inertial reference unit (ADIRU), a proximity switch
electronics unit (PSEU), a central maintenance computer (CMC), a
digital flight data acquisition unit (DFDAU), a communications
management unit (CMU), an engine instrument/crew alerting system
(EICAS), an autopilot flight director system (AFDS), a mode control
panel (MCP), a global positioning system (GPS) and other avionics
devices. Such avionics devices are well known to those skilled in
the art, and as such, will not be discussed herein in further
detail.
[0021] To at least partially isolate the COTS devices 14 from the
avionics devices 16, while permitting communications between the
COTS and avionics devices, the system 10 includes a network router
module 18. The network router module can comprise any of a number
of network routers capable of operating in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention.
[0022] The network router module is in electrical communication
with the backplane 12 and the avionics devices 16 such that the
network router module can pass communications between the avionics
devices and the COTS devices electrically coupled to the backplane.
Generally, the network router module is capable of at least
partially operating in accordance with draft standard ARINC 765,
entitled: Ethernet Switch Unit (ESU) or any permutations of the
same. The network router module generally facilitates high-speed
(e.g., 10/100/1000 Mbps or higher) network communication between
the COTS devices, and between the COTS devices and the avionics
devices. Although shown and described as including one network
router module, the system can include two network router modules,
such as to accommodate high-availability requirements of the
system.
[0023] Functional and connection requirements between the network
router module 18 and the avionic devices 16 will typically dictate
the exact network topology in any given installation. Based on the
protocols and services defined by Internet Engineering Task Force
(IETF) Request for Comments (RFC) 1122 entitled: Requirements for
Internet Hosts--Communication Layers, the network router module can
operate as a layer 2 switch and layer 3 router. In addition, the
network router module can include additional network security
functions, as desired, as well as capacity for growth as the
networking environment changes. Advantageously, the network
provided by the network router module can be reconfigurable by
software changes in the network router module, thereby eliminating
the need to alter the connections between the network router module
and the backplane 12 (including the COTS devices 14), and between
the network router module and the avionic devices, to accommodate
change and growth in such elements.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, various of the avionic devices 16 are
directly connected to the network router module 18. Others of the
avionics devices, however, are in electrical communication with the
network router module via an avionics interface module 20. In this
regard, some of the avionics devices are electrically connected to
the avionics interface module which, in turn, is electrically
connected to the network router module. The avionics interface
module generally provides an interface between certain avionics
devices and the network router module, and, thus, the backplane 12
and the COTS devices 14. The avionics interface module, which is
capable of at least partially operating in accordance with ARINC
763, provides necessary aircraft interfaces to enable the COTS
devices, via the backplane and the network router module, to send
to, and receive data from, those avionics devices connected to the
avionics interface module.
[0025] As used herein, the avionics devices 16 can interface with
the network router module 18 or the avionics interface module 20
via avionics interfaces. Generally, avionics interfaces refers to a
set of those types of interfaces that tend to be aviation-specific,
and in fact are often identified by their ARINC characteristic. For
example, the avionics interfaces may include discretes (simple
bi-state analog I/O), as well as interfaces described in standards
ARINC 429, ARINC 629, and ARINC 717, the contents of all of which
are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
[0026] To supply power to the network router module 18 and the
avionics interface module 20, the system 10 further includes a
power supply 22. The power supply is electrically coupled to the
backplane such that the power supply can also supply power to the
COTS devices 14 electrically coupled to the backplane 12. In other
terms, the power supply is capable of powering network router
module, the avionics interface module and the COTS devices
simultaneously, while typically limiting the power to any given
module and/or device. As will be appreciated, the power supply is
one typically of the more costly and design-labor intensive parts
of a typical avionics computer system. Advantageously, providing
for the power supply apart from the other elements (network router
module, avionics interface module, backplane and COTS devices) of
the system eliminates the necessity to design and integrate the
expensive power supply each time one of the elements is redesigned
and/or added to the system.
[0027] As will also be appreciated, many COTS devices 14 and
operating system software are typically not very tolerant of
unreliable power, being subject to damage when power fluctuates.
Avionics devices, on the other hand, are significantly constructed
to tolerate unreliable power, but at relatively high cost. As such,
according to one embodiment, the power supply 22 includes a backup
power module 24 capable of providing backup power in instances in
which the power provided by the power supply drops below a
predetermined level. More particularly, consider that the power
supply is capable of providing a predetermined level of power to
the COTS devices that are electrically coupled to the backplane 12.
In instances in which the predetermined level of power to the COTS
devices drops below the predetermined level, such as by a defined
amount, the backup power module can supply backup power to the COTS
devices such that the sum of the backup power and the power
supplied by the power supply substantially equals the predetermined
level of power for at least a temporary period of time.
[0028] The provision of the backup power module 24 in the power
supply 22 can be considered the functional equivalent to a
ground-based uninterruptible power supply (UPS) which, in aircraft,
permits the use of less-expensive processors and software in the
COTS devices. In addition, the use of the backup power module
allows the system 10 to provide sufficient power to permit the
elements of the system to safely shut down in the event of the
failure of power to the system.
[0029] Although the backup power supply 24 is described above as
supplying backup power to the COTS devices 14, it should be
understood that the backup power supply can supply backup power to
any of the other devices of the system, including the network
router module 18 and the avionics interface module 20, without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Also,
although described above as including one power supply, the system
may include more than one power supply. In this regard, the system
may include a master power supply, and one or more redundant power
supplies. By including multiple power supplies, one or more of the
elements (COTS devices, network router module, and/or avionics
interface module) of the system 10 can advantageously be removed
without affecting power to any of the other elements, particularly
when the power supplies operate redundantly.
[0030] To at least partially physically and electro-magnetically
isolate the backplane 12, COTS devices 14, network router module
18, avionics interface module 20, power supply 22 and the backup
power supply 24 from the aircraft, including the avionics devices
16, the system can be secured within an internal cavity of a
housing 26, as shown in FIG. 2. Thereafter, the internal cavity can
be closed with a cover 28, lid or the like to thereby at least
partially isolate the backplane, COTS devices, network router
module, avionics interface module, the power supply and the backup
power supply. The housing, otherwise known as a rack or cabinet,
includes installation locations (slots) for the COTS devices, the
network router module, the avionics interface module and the power
supply. The cabinet generally provides the mounting structure, all
necessary element-to-element interconnections for elements within
the cabinet, as well as element-to-aircraft device
interconnections. In addition, the cabinet can have the capability
to provide cooling air to the elements within the cabinet. The
cabinet can have a variable size such that the size of the cabinet
can be increased or decreased to fit any of a number of different
aircraft types, which may have different limitations in space,
power and cooling. Also, cabinet sizing permits the incorporation
of single or dual power supplies and one or more network routers
for higher availability, which allows for the servicing of various
elements within the cabinet while the system is in operation.
[0031] Depending upon the aircraft wiring for networking outside
and up to the cabinet 26, the cabinet can also serve to reduce
costs by using less expensive network wiring and network
transceivers than may be used for other systems within the
aircraft. In this regard, a strong incentive exists to use
fiber-optic technology for high-speed networks in aircraft for
performance and service reasons, but the technology is expensive to
incorporate into avionics equipment. To realize the benefits of
fiber-optic technology, in one embodiment, the network router
module 18 and the avionics interface module 20 can interface with
respective avionics devices 16 via optical fibers. Then, to adapt
the cabinet and elements included therein in a more cost efficient
manner, the network router module can be in electrical
communication with both the backplane 12, the avionics interface
module and the power supply 22 via electrical conductors, such as
copper wires. In addition, the power supply can also be
electrically coupled to the backplane and the avionics interface
module via conductors, such as copper wires.
[0032] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
method is provided for packaging a modular aircraft information
network system. According to one embodiment, the method begins by
providing the backplane 12 and the avionics interface module 20.
Thereafter, the network router module 18 can be placed in
electrical communication with the backplane and the avionics
interface. By placing the network router module in electrical
communication with the backplane and the avionics interface, the
network router module can pass communications between the avionics
interface module, or more particularly the avionics devices 16, and
the COTS devices 14 that are electrically coupled to the backplane.
Either before, after or as the network router module is placed in
electrical communication with the backplane and the avionics
interface module, the network router module, backplane and avionics
interface module can be secured within the housing 26 which, as
indicated above, can include installation locations for receiving
the respective elements.
[0033] Also, either before, after or as the network router module
18 is placed in electrical communication with the backplane 12 and
the avionics interface module 20, the network router module can be
placed in electrical communication with respective avionics devices
16, as shown in FIG. 1. As such, the network router module can also
be capable of passing communications between the COTS devices 14
and the avionics devices in electrical communication with the
network router module. Advantageously, the network router module is
placed in electrical communication with the backplane, avionics
interface module and the respective avionics devices such that the
backplane is isolated from the avionics interface in a manner so
that the COTS devices, when electrically coupled to the backplane,
are isolated from the avionics devices.
[0034] After placing the network router module 18 in electrical
communication with the backplane 12, the avionics interface module
20 and the respective avionics devices 16, one or more COTS devices
14 can be electrically coupled to the backplane. As such, the COTS
devices can be placed in electrical communication with the network
router module, and more particularly the avionics devices (via the
network router module and/or the avionics interface module). Like
before, either before, after or as the COTS devices are
electrically coupled to the backplane, the COTS devices can be
secured within the housing, such as by securing the COTS devices
within installation locations of the housing 26.
[0035] Before closing the housing 26, the backplane 12, network
router module 18 and the avionics interface module 20 are all
electrically coupled to the power supply 22, and thereby the backup
power module 24. By electrically coupling the backplane to the
power supply, the COTS devices can also be electrically coupled to
the power supply such that the power supply can provide power to
the COTS devices, as well as the network router module and the
avionics interface module. Like before, the power supply, including
the backup power module, can be secured within the housing, such as
via an installation location within the housing. Thereafter, the
housing, including the backplane, COTS devices, network router
module, avionics interface module, power supply and backup power
module, can be closed, such as with a cover 28, lid or the like to
thereby at least partially isolate the internal cavity of the
housing from an external environment, including the aircraft and
the avionics devices.
[0036] At any point before operating the network system 10, the
avionics interface module 20 and the network router module 18 are
interfaced with the avionics devices 16. In one embodiment, for
example, the avionics interface module and the network router
module are interfaced with the avionics devices after closing the
housing 26, and during installation of the housing, including the
COTS devices 14, backplane 12, network router module, avionics
interface module, power supply 22 and backup power supply 24,
within the aircraft. In one particularly, advantageous embodiment
where the elements within the housing are placed in electrical
communication, or electrically coupled, via conductors (e.g.,
copper wires), the avionics interface and the network router
modules are interfaced with respective avionics devices via optical
fibers.
[0037] As indicated above, COTS server processing elements 14 are
typically capable of providing data/file storage, open systems
processing and communication services to electronic devices
connected throughout the aircraft local area network (LAN). For
example, the COTS server processing elements can provide data/file
storage, open systems processing and communication services to
electronic devices such as pilot and cockpit terminals, cabin
terminals, maintenance terminals, network printers, wireless LAN
units, satellite transceivers and terrestrial telephony units. When
the avionics interface module 20 interfaces with the avionics
devices 16, then, the system 10 can perform a number of different
functions. For example, the COTS server processing elements can be
adapted to receive data from the avionics devices, such as for
maintenance operations. Additionally, or alternatively, the COTS
server processing elements can be adapted to transmit data to the
avionics devices, such as transmitting software to the avionics
devices for subsequent installation by the respective avionics
devices.
[0038] Embodiments of the present invention therefore provide a
modular aircraft information network system and an associated
method of packaging the same. Advantageously, the modular aircraft
information network system of embodiments of the present invention
is a less costly network than conventional aircraft information
networks. More particularly, by sharing resources such as the power
supply, embodiments of the present invention reduce cost by
utilizing the same resources for each element of the system. Also,
the network system of embodiments of the present invention provides
a less costly network system by utilizing less-costly connections
(e.g., copper wire) between various elements while maintaining
more-costly, higher speed connections (e.g., fiber optic) between
other elements. Further, as the COTS devices are typically
electrically, mechanically and electro-magnetically isolated from
avionic devices, as well as the aircraft within which the network
is installed, embodiments of the present invention permit
commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) devices to be integrated into the
network in a modular manner. As such, COTS devices can be added to
or removed from the network without requiring changes to, or
requalification of, remaining avionic devices, including those that
may operate with the COTS devices.
[0039] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention
will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention
pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the
foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it
is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the
specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other
embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the
appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they
are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for
purposes of limitation.
* * * * *