DE102007033914A1 - Radio transceiver system for aviation, has switches switching connection with antenna and external user interface, where control signals provided from monitoring unit control both switches connected with monitoring unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The system (1) has a monitoring unit (11) connected with a main radio device (2) and an emergency radio transceiver (8). A connection with an antenna (3) is switched by a switch (9), and another connection with an external user interface (4) is switched by another switch (10). The interface is provided to a user (12), where controlling of both the switches connected with the monitoring unit is enabled by control signals provided from the monitoring unit. The monitoring unit comprises an internal activation interface (14) to the emergency transceiver.

Description

The The invention relates to a radio system, in particular for aviation, with an emergency function.

The U.S. Patent 4,231,115 describes a modular radio for navigation and / or communication in aviation. Although this modular radio is more flexible in terms of different mounting directions in a variety of aircraft, but includes no emergency function.

The current generation of radios is based on a device platform from hardware and software, which allows the actual Waveform of the corresponding or desired radio procedure dynamically download as software download (Software Defined Radio, SDR). The proportions of the waveform are then applied to the processors the device platform distributed, connected and launched. This dynamic behavior complicates compliance with the relevant Standards or the standards set by static radio systems emanating only one radio procedure, where it Also quite possible is that the common standards at all can not be met.

The dynamic changes in software defined radios (SDR), which are not static systems, have a disadvantageous effect the effort in an authorization procedure before an authorized Approval Authority, as both each module for must be tested, as well as the overall device that out consists of the individual modules, a complex integration test must exist in the end for a commercial and / or military use. Further must all dynamically generated radio systems be simulated during the approval procedure or certification, which increases the effort immensely.

Of the Invention is based on the object, a radio system, in particular a radio for aviation create, which with reduced effort one of an authorized Institution of the approval procedure.

The said object is achieved according to the invention by the radio equipment system claimed in claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention Radio system are the subject of the back to claim 1 Dependent claims.

The Concept of the invention assumes that the modular design Radio equipment according to the inventive Thought two types of modules or functional units includes. For one module is no certification before one Authorized regulatory authority necessary. These include a main radio, an antenna, an external user interface and an interface for manual input of an error signal. The second type of modules comprises modules, in particular an emergency radio device, which by an authorized authority to certification, where the module to be certified has several cooperative Function units for emergency operation includes.

The inventive radio device system has a monitoring unit that works both with a main radio as well as with an emergency radio is connected. In case of emergancy is a connection of the emergency radio over a first switch with an antenna, and a connection of the Emergency radio via a second switch with an external user interface intended for a user connected. Here is a control of the two also with the monitoring unit connected switch by means a control command issued by the monitoring unit realized.

The particular advantages of the invention are that due to the modular design of the invention Radio system the effort in the certification or is limited in the integration test, since only the second type of modules are subjected to the approval procedure got to. So it is advantageous that for the main radio no certification procedure is required.

Further it is advantageous that the minimum functionality of the inventive radio system and the prevention of negative effects on other systems by the radio system according to the invention in Error case with a manageable effort according to the Standards or standards is ensured.

Of Furthermore, it is advantageous that the inventive Radio system has an emergency radio, which works on the principle of redundancy and which one in one Standard defined minimum functionality has, therefore one adequate communication via the radio system according to the invention guaranteed even in an exceptional case or an emergency is.

Further It is advantageous that the emergency radio with multiple Function units cooperates, so that a controlled activation the emergency radio is possible.

In addition, it is beneficial that the architecture the aircraft radio according to the invention is flexible. In particular, both modules or hardware components without required certification as well as functional units to be certified can be inserted into the existing architecture.

Furthermore The functional units of the module to be certified include one Antenna selector switch for radio coverage of the emergency radio, one Switch of a user interface for operating the emergency radio and a monitoring unit for secure activation of the emergency radio via the main radio. This is advantageous for the user also in the Exceptionally a minimum radio coverage guaranteed.

Further it is advantageous that the monitoring unit both with the emergency radio as well as the main radio connected is. This reliably prevents that the main radio is mistakenly deactivated.

To is advantageously in the monitoring unit a Query function implemented, which regularly over a status interface the operating state of the main radio and then this internally with regard to evaluates a possibly occurring error case.

Furthermore has the radio according to the invention advantageously a direct connection or an external connection between the monitoring unit and the interface for manual input of an error signal. Thereby Ensures that the user is also from outside via the monitoring unit deactivates the main radio or activate the emergency radio.

About that In addition, the monitoring unit of the invention Radio a unidirectional activation interface to the emergency radio and a unidirectional deactivation interface to the main radio. According to this advantageous Embodiment becomes a redundant signaling between the emergency radio and the monitoring unit and between the main radio and the monitoring unit avoided. advantageously, are both types of software-based and / or hardware-based modules realized.

Conveniently, extends the minimum functionality of the emergency radio on the implementation of a usable frequency, on the implementation a modulation method to be used as well as the implementation an automatic identification of the radio according to the invention, advantageously via a GPS system (Global Positioning System / service).

advantageously, is in the radio according to the invention the main radio is exempted from certification, whereby the expenditure for the remaining certification manageable remains and in particular is independent of the complexity the architecture of the main radio.

One Embodiment of the present invention Radio is described below. Both the structure as well as the mode of operation of the invention Radio system and its other advantages and tasks are Best with reference to the following description in connection with the accompanying drawing understandable. In the drawing shows:

1 a schematically illustrated construction of an embodiment of a radio system according to the invention;

2 a table with the functions of the interfaces and

3 the continuation of in 2 shown table with the functions of the interfaces.

1 shows a schematically illustrated construction of a radio system according to the invention.

The radio or radio system according to the invention 1 Includes modules or hardware components that do not require a certification procedure. These modules include, among other things, a main radio 2 , an antenna 3 , an external user interface 4 , and an interface 5 for manual input of an error signal, the user interface 4 from at least one control interface for the configuration of the radio device according to the invention 1 and a data interface for exchanging user data between a user 12 and the radio according to the invention 1 consists. Furthermore, the radio according to the invention comprises 1 cooperating internal functional units, which are to be certified only in their interaction, as far as the emergency radio operation is concerned.

The internal functional units to be certified include an emergency radio 8th , which has a defined in a standard minimum functionality. Furthermore, the emergency radio acts 8th with several functional units of the area to be certified 6 together, these functional units can be supplemented by further functional units.

The at least four functional units to be certified comprise a first switch 9 for the antenna 3 (Antenna switch), a second switch 10 for a user interface 4 and a monitoring unit 11 and the emergency radio 8th , The antenna switch 9 causes always exactly one radio (the main radio 2 or the emergency radio 8th ) the antenna 3 can use, with the antenna switch 9 via an internal switch interface 17 from the monitoring unit 11 is controlled.

The monitoring unit 11 constantly checks for misbehavior of the main radio 2 is present. Should be a malfunction of the main radio 2 be determined becomes the main radio 2 Disabled via an outgoing from the monitoring interface control command and the emergency radio 8th activated via a control command issued by the monitoring interface. Then the emergency radio becomes 8th with the antenna 3 and the user 12 connected. This is also done by means of a control command of the monitoring unit 11 initiated.

In the monitoring unit 11 the following internal evaluations are carried out at repeated intervals:
The antenna signal of the main radio 2 is evaluated, these are in the monitoring unit 11 for all possible waveforms the characteristic frequency pattern and a maximum average power are stored. The main radio 2 informs the monitoring unit 11 via a status interface 13 the currently used waveform with. Become signals outside the frequency window or at the interface for the currently used waveform 16 (Antenna 3 - main radio 2 ) detects average powers above the maximum threshold, this is considered to be a malfunction of the main radio 2 interpreted.

In addition, error messages of the main radio 2 to the monitoring unit 11 transmitted and evaluated there, the error messages of the monitoring unit 11 via a bidirectional status interface 13 be communicated. For certain error messages, the associated error is part of a self-test of the main radio 2 determined.

Further, the state of the main radio becomes 2 evaluated. The monitoring unit analyzes 11 the commands, by the user 12 via the control interface 19 to the main radio 2 are sent, and it is checked whether the command the required change in the state of the main radio 2 causes. The current state of the main radio 2 is via the bidirectional status interface 13 the monitoring unit 11 communicated, with the states (eg waveform loaded, key loaded etc.) of the main radio 2 with their transitions in the surveillance unit 11 are deposited. If the required state is not via the status interface 13 is reported, this is considered misconduct of the main radio 2 interpreted.

Furthermore, the user data of the user interface 4 as well as the signals of the antenna interface 16 of the main radio 2 evaluated, with z. B. following four combinations as a malfunction of the main radio 2 be interpreted: A malfunction of the main radio 2 occurs when signals enter the main radio 2 over the interface 16 come in, but over the interface 19 there are no outgoing payloads.

A malfunction of the main radio 2 is also present when there are no signals in the main radio 2 over the interface 16 come in, but over the interface 19 outgoing user data is available.

A malfunction of the main radio 2 is also present if no signals from the main radio 2 from the antenna interface 16 go out, but still useful data in the main radio 2 via the data interface 19 received.

A malfunction of the main radio 2 is also present when signals from the main radio 2 from the antenna interface 16 go out, but no user data in the main radio 2 via the data interface 19 received.

In addition, a manual reporting of an error can take place, whereby the user 12 an observed by him misconduct of the main radio 2 via the external interface 5 the monitoring unit 11 telling. The monitoring unit 11 is via a direct connection to the external interface 5 connected for manual input of an error signal.

For the emergency radio 8th the radio system according to the invention 1 is via the antenna switch 9 a connection with the antenna 3 intended. About the switch 10 the user interface 4 is for the emergency radio 8th the radio device according to the invention 1 a connection to a user device or user 12 intended. At a user 12 it can also be other systems z. B. act in an airplane.

Both the emergency radio 8th as well as the main radio 2 are with the monitoring unit 11 connected via a status interface 13 a query of an operating state of the main radio 2 generates and then an internal evaluation of the main radio 2 Reported operating state with regard to a possible error case makes.

Furthermore, the monitoring unit comprises 11 a unidirectional activation interface 14 to the emergency radio 8th and a unidirectional deactivation interface 15 to the main radio 2 , A technical realization of the main radio 2 and the emergency radio 8th may be software-based and / or hardware-based.

The minimum functionality of the emergency radio 8th reduces to an implementation of only one usable frequency, to an implementation of only one modulation method and to an implementation of an automatic identification of the radio according to the invention 1 , wherein preferably the automatic identification by means of a GPS system (Global Positioning System / Service) is provided.

The function described above is tabulated in FIG 2 and 3 summarized. The invention is not limited to the embodiment of a radio system according to the invention shown in the drawing 1 but generally includes transceiver systems that can be used in many types of vehicles that must meet high certification requirements. All features described above and shown in the drawing can be combined with each other.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - US 4231115 [0002]

Claims (10)

Radio system ( 1 ) with a monitoring unit ( 11 ), both with a main radio ( 2 ) as well as with an emergency radio ( 8th ), for which in case of emergency a connection via a first switch ( 9 ) with an antenna ( 3 ), as well as a second switch ( 10 ) connect to an external one for a user ( 12 ) user interface ( 4 ), wherein a control of the two also with the monitoring unit ( 11 ) ( 9 . 10 ) by means of one of the monitoring unit ( 11 ) outgoing control signal takes place. Radio system according to claim 1, characterized in that for the monitoring unit ( 11 ) at least one external interface ( 5 ) is provided for an external message of a fault. Radio system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the monitoring unit ( 11 ) a status interface ( 13 ) for a query of an operating state of the main radio ( 2 ) is provided. Radio system according to claim 3, characterized in that in the monitoring unit ( 11 ) an evaluation of the operating state of the main radio ( 2 ) via the status interface ( 13 ), is provided with regard to a possibly occurring error. Radio system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the monitoring unit ( 11 ) an internal activation interface ( 14 ) to the emergency radio ( 8th ) as well as an internal deactivation interface ( 15 ) to the main radio ( 2 ). Radio system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the emergency radio ( 8th ) has a minimum functionality defined in a standard. Radio system according to claim 6, characterized in that the minimum functionality of the emergency radio ( 8th ) is certified by an authorized registration office. Radio system according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that for the main radio ( 2 ) no certification is necessary. Radio system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the minimum functionality is an implementation of only one usable frequency and / or an implementation of only one modulation method and / or an implementation of an automatic identification of the radio system ( 1 ). Radio system according to claim 9, characterized by an automatic identification by means of a use of a GPS system (Global Positioning System / Service).