N231-008 - DIGITAL ENGINEERING - Broadband Real-time Data Bus - KIHOMAC Response

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.