Integrated avionics system
AssigneeL-3 Communications Corporation
InventorsCyro A. Stone, James R. Troxel, Gregory T. Stayton
Life of this patent
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Abstract
There is provided an avionics system that provides several avionics functions within a single LRU. In one embodiment, the system comprises a software-configurable RF assembly, one or more processor assemblies that are configured to provide multiple TAWS/TCAS/Mode S/ADS-B/ATC functions, interfaces to allow connections to aircraft electronics and data loaders, and multipurpose antennas. In one embodiment, a common processor architecture allows generic avionics processors to be configured to operate a number of TAWS/TCAS/Mode S/ADS-B/ATC functions without the need for multiple LRUs, and software-defined RF functions allow RF circuitry that interfaces to the processors to handle current and future communication needs.
Claims25
An avionics system comprising:
- a software-configurable RF assembly;
- a processor assembly including:
- input-output logic circuitry;
- RF logic and control circuitry;
- a plurality of surveillance communication processors (SCPs), each SCP including an integrated processor coupled to:
- a nonvolatile memory including executable code;
- a volatile memory;
- and
- control logic;
- and
- a bus coupling the SCPs, the input-output logic circuitry, and RF logic and control circuitry;
- and
- means for electronically interconnecting the software-configurable RF assembly and the processor assembly.
An avionics system comprising:
- a software-configurable RF assembly;
- a common power supply;
- a processor assembly including:
- input-output logic circuitry;
- RF logic and control circuitry;
- a TCAS surveillance communication processor configured to:
- alert a pilot to avoid a mid-air collision;
- and
- perform transponder functions;
- a TAWS surveillance communication processor configured to alert a pilot to avoid controlled flight into terrain;
- a bus coupling the TCAS surveillance communication processor, the TAWS surveillance communication processor, the input-output logic circuitry, and RF logic and control circuitry;
- and,
- means for electronically interconnecting the software-configurable RF assembly, the common power supply and the processor assembly.
An avionics system comprising:
- an interconnection backplane;
- two processor assemblies coupled to the backplane, each processor comprising:
- input-output logic circuitry;
- RF logic and control circuitry;
- a TCAS surveillance communication processor configured to:
- alert a pilot to avoid a mid-air collision;
- and
- perform transponder functions;
- a TAWS surveillance communication processor configured to alert a pilot to avoid controlled flight into terrain;
- a high speed data interface;
- a bus coupling the SCPs, the input-output logic circuitry, and RF logic and control circuitry;
- and,
- a software-configurable RF assembly coupled to the backplane;
- power supply coupled to the backplane;
- and
- a spare expansion slot, allowing coupling of an additional assembly to the backplane.
An avionics system comprising:
- a software-configurable RF assembly;
- a processor assembly coupled to the RF assembly, the processor assembly comprising:
- an air traffic avionics processor;
- and
- a terrain avionics processor;
- executable air traffic code stored within air traffic avionics processor that when executed by the air traffic avionics processor, implements a function selected from the group of:
- determining that an alert should be provided to avoid a mid-air collision;
- and
- performing a transponder function;
- and
- executable terrain warning code stored within the terrain avionics processor that when executed by the terrain avionics processor, determines whether a terrain hazard exists.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.