Address allocation to PSUs, service arrangement and passenger cabin
A method for allocating addresses to passenger service units (PSUs) and a service controller for a passenger cabin of an aircraft are provided. A coding device of the controller defines multiple coding parameters each corresponding to an installation position of a PSU. Each coding parameter defines a coding value. The PSUs are installed at respective installation positions in an installation space. A head unit of the controller communicates with the PSUs. In response to a start command, a respective coding value is determined at a respective installation position of a respective PSU. A respective waiting time is determined from the respective coding value according to a time rule. A response is transmitted to the head unit for each PSU upon expiration of the waiting time from the start command. Upon receiving the response, an address is allocated to a PSU which transmitted the response.
1. A method for allocating a respective address to a plurality of PSUs (Passenger Service Units) of a service controller for a passenger cabin of an aircraft, wherein the service controller comprises:
a coding means extending along an extension line in an installation space for the PSUs,
wherein the coding means defines a plurality of coding parameters, wherein the plurality of coding parameters each correspond to an installation position of a respective PSU on the extension line, wherein the plurality of coding parameters each define a coding value,
the plurality of PSUs, wherein the plurality of PSUs are installed along the extension line in the installation space at the respective installation positions,
a head unit communicating with the PSUs, wherein:
a start command is transmitted to all PSUs,
the method comprising:
in response to the start command, determining a respective coding value at a respective installation position of a respective PSU,
determining a respective waiting time from the respective coding value of a respective PSU according to a time rule,
transmitting a response to the head unit for each of the PSUs upon expiration of a respective waiting time from the start command, and
in response to receiving a respective response at the head unit, allocating a respective address to the PSU which transmitted the received response.
2. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising:
using a communication channel between the head unit and the PSUs is used as a data bus and using the respective address as a bus address of a respective PSU in the data bus.
3. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising:
determining the waiting time on the basis of the time rule as a coding value, multiplied by a constant.
4. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising:
forming, by a communication channel between the head unit and PSUs, at least part of a power supply arrangement of the PSUs, and
implementing communication on the communication channel in the form of a power line communication on the power supply arrangement.
5. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising:
allocating the addresses in ascending order in sequence of the responses arriving at the head unit.
6. A service controller for a passenger cabin of an aircraft, comprising:
a coding means extending along an extension line in an installation space for a plurality of PSUs (Passenger Service Units),
wherein the coding means defines a plurality of coding parameters, wherein the plurality of coding parameters each correspond to an installation position of a respective PSU on the extension line, wherein the plurality of coding parameters each define a coding value,
the plurality of PSUs, wherein the plurality of PSUs are installable along the extension line in the installation space at the respective installation positions,
a head unit connected to the PSUs via a communication channel,
a control unit configured to carry out the method according to claim 1 .
7. The service controller according to claim 6 , wherein
the coding parameters are each an electrical potential or an electrical voltage.
8. The service controller according to claim 7 , wherein
the electrical voltage is non-zero or the electrical potential does not correspond to a reference potential for a potential at any of the installation positions.
9. The service controller according to claim 7 , wherein
the coding means is a resistor element, wherein a non-zero voltage is presented at longitudinal ends of the resistor element along the extension line during operation.
10. The service controller according to claim 6 , further comprising a rail system installable in the passenger cabin with at least one rail for mechanical connection to the PSUs.
11. The service controller according to claim 10 , wherein
the rail system is integrated into overhead bins of the passenger cabin.
12. The service controller according to claim 10 , wherein
the at least one rail is configured to supply power to the PSUs and/or the least one of rail is configured to communicate with the PSUs and the control unit.
13. The service controller according to claim 10 , wherein
the at least one rail comprises the coding meaning.
14. The service controller according to claim 10 , further comprising:
an interface to a cabin management system of the passenger cabin, or
an interface to a power supply of the passenger cabin, or
an interface to an oxygen mask signal of the passenger cabin, or
a voltage converter, or
an electrical power connection, or
a signal connection to the at least one rail.
15. A passenger cabin of an aircraft, comprising a service controller according to claim 6 , wherein the PSUs are installed on a support structure in the passenger cabin.