Multi-level networked ordnance system
AssigneePacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company (California) LLC
InventorsPeter J. Current, Michael R. Hathaway
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A networked electronic ordnance system is provided. The system includes a first plurality of pyrotechnic devices connected to a first network bus. The system further includes a first bus controller connected to the first network bus. The system further includes a second plurality of pyrotechnic devices connected to a second network bus. The system further includes a second bus controller connected to the second network bus. The system further includes a bus interface circuit connected to the first bus controller by a first electrical connection and connected to the second bus controller by a second electrical connection.
Claims20
A networked electronic ordnance system comprising:
- a plurality of bus controllers;
- and
- a bus interface circuit electrically connected to the plurality of bus controllers, the bus interface circuit being configured to transmit commands for pyrotechnic devices connected to the plurality of bus controllers,
- wherein the transmitted commands include activation commands to control activation of one or more pyrotechnic devices,
- wherein at least one of the plurality of bus controllers is configured to connect to a plurality of pyrotechnic devices via a network bus,
- wherein the plurality of pyrotechnic devices are arranged in groups according to thruster stages of a rocket system.
An aerospace vehicle, comprising:
- a plurality of pyrotechnic devices, each pyrotechnic device configured as a firing mechanism for a respective thruster to propel the aerospace vehicle;
- and
- a networked electronic ordnance system comprising:
- a plurality of bus controllers, and
- a bus interface circuit electrically connected to the plurality of bus controllers, the bus interface circuit being configured to transmit commands for one or more pyrotechnic devices of the plurality of pyrotechnic devices connected to the plurality of bus controllers,
- wherein the transmitted commands include activation commands to control activation of the one or more pyrotechnic devices of the plurality of pyrotechnic devices,
- wherein each of the plurality of bus controllers is configured to connect to a pyrotechnic device of the plurality of pyrotechnic devices via a network bus, and
- wherein the plurality of pyrotechnic devices are arranged in groups according to thruster stages of the aerospace vehicle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.