Self-powered communications link for smart circuit breakers

A circuit breaker communication system for use in an aircraft comprising:

• a circuit breaker comprising a button configured to move in response to, and provide a visual indication of, an operating status of the circuit breaker, and an optically transparent window disposed on said button;
• an electronic module associated with the circuit breaker, the electronic module configured to record and store data associated with at least one operating parameter of the circuit breaker;
• a transmitter in communication with the electronic module, the transmitter configured to transmit data associated with at least one operating parameter of the circuit breaker through the window to an optical communication link;
• a receiver in communication with the electronic module, the receiver configured to receive signals from an optical communication link;
• a portable communication unit for downloading the stored data from the electronic module, the portable communication unit including a power source, a display unit, a processor unit, a communication interface, and a keypad;
• and
• a cable for interconnecting the portable communication unit to the electronic module, the cable configured to carry a data signal between the portable communication unit and the electronic module, and to provide power to the electronic module from the power source;
• wherein the electronic module is operable from the portable communication unit power source when power to the circuit breaker is interrupted.