Bi-directional high speed network for open system avionics

This paper illustrates the need for a high-speed bi-directional network in avionics and proposes a method to meet this need through Open Systems. The need for this proposal is driven by the shortcomings in current avionics architectures based off of the MIL-STD-1553 data communication system and associated video distribution network, as well as the current ANSI standard Fibre Channel. Use of multiple network protocols can be replaced with a single redundant commercial-of-the-shelf network, which can save space, cost, and weight, while also increasing network growth capability. Weight is especially critical for avionics and every aircraft has limited space in which to house its avionics and associated interconnect technology. With microprocessor speeds doubling every eighteen months and electronics technology continually advancing, aircraft requirements for higher bandwidths will be increasing, but aircraft manufacturers have to consider the life cycle cost tradeoffs, including logistics and retrofits for fielded aircraft. Several aircraft platforms including the F/A-18, F-35, and RAH-66 are planning on using ANSI standard Fibre Channel with copper or optical media as their high speed Open System network. However, Fibre Channel requires separate connections for transmit and receive for each point-to-point link. Fibre Channel has the potential to be the only network protocol needed for avionics, but to maximize the life cycle cost benefits of Fibre Channel, a bi-directional implementation is required. To illustrate the potential benefits, an example application based on the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor will be shown. This paper will examine the recent initiatives to create bi-directional Fibre Channel, the life cycle cost benefits, and propose a new implementation of an Open System architecture standard to create an aircraft u