A growing issue with modern avionics and sensor systems for older aircraft is movement of an increasing volume of data where Ethernet or fiber-optic transport mechanisms are preferred. However, retrofitting Ethernet and fiber-optic cabling can be prohibitive from perspectives such as cost, weight, space, etc. One alternative is to employ available technology such as STANAG 7221 to transport data at higher rates using existing, ubiquitous MIL-STD-1553 cabling. This alternative is the focus of this SBIR topic. KIHOMAC is particularly well suited to perform this Broadband Real-time Data Bus effort bringing several benefits as follows: (1) We have direct program experience operating STANAG 7221 data transfers in an actual aircraft avionics environment in a past program, (2) We have technical and management personnel who were primary contributors to the past program, (3) We hold STANAG 7221 equipment as GFE on a current program that could potentially be available on a non-interfering, sharing basis for support of early SBIR activities, and (4) Our approach is to investigate both a basic STANAG 7221 implementation and a potentially more efficient data transfer approach similar to IP exchanges relieving the overhead and configuration burden of a rigid scheduling mechanism. Based on review of the SBIR topic description, we interpret the scope of this effort as (1) Create and demonstrate the feasibility of a real-time broad band data bus capable of supporting legacy MIL-STD-1553 and also demonstrate transmission of data at a higher data rate, higher bandwidth traffic on a common data bus. Methods for bridging data and providing link status should be investigated. Issues associated with using STANAG 7221 should be investigated and mitigated. The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II, and (2) Evaluate currently available STANAG 7221 solutions assessing the feasibility of different approaches to implementing an IP-based approach that coexists with legacy MIL-STD-1553 communications. For Scope area 1, we propose to (1) Create and demonstrate high speed transfers, (2) Define candidate bridging methods and monitoring link status, (3) Identify potential issues and mitigation techniques with the different methods, and (4) Define prototyping plans for Phase II efforts. For Scope area 2, we propose to (1) Assess options to provide an IP-based solution, and (2) Define a solution to coexist with legacy transfers. KIHOMAC identified two approaches for SBIR objectives. One approach uses direct STANAG 7221 implementation including the scheduling overhead. The second approach is to investigate an IP based method to minimize or eliminate scheduling burden and associated configuration impact. The Base Period will accomplish initial assessment and definition for both approaches. The Option Period will include Proof-of-Concept implementation of one or both approaches.
Benefit: Continuously evolving sensors and systems for modern aviation electronics require increasing bandwidth to transfer expanding amounts of data such as imagery from cameras, radar (synthetic aperture, targeting, weather), surveillance (radars, communications), and myriad other signals and information. This is frequently managed in new aircraft by inclusion of Ethernet and/or fiber-optic transport mechanisms. However, integration of evolving sensors and systems onto older platforms for sustainment may be prohibitive with respect to retrofitting Ethernet and/or fiber-optic cabling. There is a direct installation cost, there may be physical space limitations, additional weight must be addressed, and other factors apply. Further, corresponding modifications likely become applicable for the new sensors and systems to interact with existing systems. A notable benefit of developing, adopting, and deploying a technology based on STANAG 7221 would be the immediate increase in data transfer capacity using existing and ubiquitous MIL-STD-1553 cabling. A bridge device in initial form would allow Ethernet exchanges between avionics devices on older aircraft equipped with common MIL-STD-1553 (1553 ) cabling. 1553 readily allows the addition of new nodes via inexpensive couplers. New devices could then perform high data rate transfers with little to no collateral changes to the aircraft. This would be a tremendous benefit in sustaining and extending the capabilities and service lives of legacy aircraft. Further, other established platforms equipped with 1553 cabling would enjoy the same benefit. The potential user community would start with U.S. military platforms but could include allied NATO platforms. Also, by incorporating the widely used IP protocol, the implementation could allow administrators to configure their network and equipment using familiar and widely understood techniques, leading to an overall reduction in cost and schedule in the configuration and troubleshooting processes. The technology can be commercialized by patenting and licensing the software driver used to implement the IP network over STANAG 7221. To maximize the potential market, the driver will be developed using an open systems approach, and will be developed in accordance with principles of the Future Airborne Capability Environment (FACE) Technical Standard. KIHOMAC will also seek a certification of conformance with the FACE Technical Standard, allowing the driver and supporting software to be placed on the software registry on the FACE Consortiums website enabling wider awareness and adoption.
Keywords: Avionics, Avionics, STANAG 7221, Internet Protocol, Ethernet, Data Bus, scheduling, MIL-STD-1553, High Speed
