Embedded Wiring Diagnostic Technology for Aircraft

The objective of this proposal is to develop and integrate an Embedded Smart Connector (SC) with wire diagnostic technology that can be temporarily or permanently installed into the aircraft wiring system to report the health of the vehicle wiring. This smart connector can be used to detect and locate in-flight anomalies. It can also be used to collect early in-flight data to illuminate the deterioration of wiring and provide information towards the goal of prognosis of wiring faults. The sensor technology that will be used is spread spectrum time domain reflectometry (SSTDR), which has been demonstrated for accurate fault location (to within a few inches) on live wires carrying DC, AC power or digital data signals. SSTDR technology has proven to be highly accurate despite noise caused by the external environment including the switching of motors, lights, etc. and related noise associated with realistic loads.