Integrated avionics system
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.
1. An avionics system comprising:
a software-configurable RF assembly, the software-configurable RF assembly comprising a single LRU providing multiple avionics functions;
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 wherein the software-configurable RF assembly is electronically interconnected with the processor assembly; and
a housing defining a volume, wherein the software-configurable RF assembly and processor assembly are configured to operate within the defined volume.
2. The avionics system as defined in claim 1 wherein the executable code, when executed by the integrated processor, enables the avionics system to perform an avionics function selected from the group consisting of:
Ground Proximity Warning (GPWS);
Ground Collision Avoidance (GCAS);
Terrain Awareness and Warning (TAWS);
Traffic Collision Avoidance (TCAS);
Air Traffic Control (ATC);
Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B);
Standard Mode S Transponder support;
Universal Access Transceivers (UAT) datalink support; and
combinations thereof.
3. The avionics system as defined in claim 1 wherein:
a first SCP of the plurality of SCPs is configured to perform a traffic collision and avoidance function; and
a second SCP of the plurality of SCPs is configured to perform a terrain awareness and warning function.
4. The avionics system as defined in claim 1 further comprising an external interface coupled to the electronic interconnection means, whereby the processor assembly may be reconfigured by:
downloading, through the external interface, modified executable code; and
storing the modified executable code in at least one of the nonvolatile memories.
5. The avionics system as defined in claim 1 further comprising an external interface, whereby the software-configurable RF assembly may be reconfigured by downloading, through the external interface, modified software instructions to reconfigure a software programmable demodulator.
6. The avionics system as defined in claim 1 further comprising:
an external interface; and
a directional antenna coupled to the external interface, whereby the directional antenna is configured, via the software-configurable RF assembly, to:
operate in a directional traffic collision avoidance mode; and
operate in an omnidirectional transponder mode.
7. The avionics system as defined in claim 1 further comprising an external connector, whereby the connector is configured to connect to an ARINC 615A portable data loader-compliant computer.
8. The avionics system as defined in claim 1 wherein the bus coupling the SCPs, the input-output logic circuitry, and RF logic and control circuitry includes a PCI bus.
9. The avionics system as defined in claim 1 wherein the integrated processor includes a Power PC processor.
10. 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; and
a housing defining a volume, wherein the software-configurable RF assembly, common power supply, processor assembly, and electronic interconnection means are configured to operate within the defined volume.
11. The avionics system as defined in claim 10 further comprising an external interface coupled to the electronic interconnection means, whereby the processor assembly may be reconfigured by:
downloading, through the external interface, modified executable code; and
storing the modified executable code in at least one of the nonvolatile memories.
12. The avionics system as defined in claim 10 further comprising an external interface coupled to the electronic interconnection means, whereby the software-configurable RF assembly may be reconfigured by downloading, through the external interface, modified software instructions to reconfigure a software programmable demodulator.
13. The avionics system as defined in claim 10 further comprising:
an external interface coupled to the electronic interconnection means; and
a directional antenna coupled to the external interface, whereby the directional antenna is configured, via the software-configurable RF assembly, to:
operate in a directional traffic collision avoidance mode; and
operate in an omnidirectional transponder mode.
14. The avionics system as defined in claim 10 further comprising an external connector coupled to the processor assembly, whereby the connector is configured to connect to an ARINC 615A portable data loader-compliant computer.
15. The avionics system as defined in claim 10 wherein the bus coupling the TCAS surveillance communication processor, the TAWS surveillance communication processor, the input-output logic circuitry, and RF logic and control circuitry is a PCI bus.