Power distribution assembly with redundant architecture
First Claim
1. A power distribution assembly comprising:
- a plurality of power modules for controlling multiple vehicle systems;
a first microprocessor having a first serial bus in communication with each of said power modules;
a second microprocessor having a second serial bus in communication with each of said power modules in ent from said first serial bus;
a first power supply for powering said first microprocessor and each of said power modules; and
a second power supply for powering said second microprocessor and each of said power modules independently from said first power supply.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A power distribution assembly (PDA) includes a plurality of power modules that are installed within a chassis that is mounted to a vehicle, such as an aircraft. The power modules are used to control aircraft systems such as braking, navigation, or temperature control systems. The PDA includes first and second microprocessors that have separate serial busses that are in communication with each of the power modules. A first power supply powers the first microprocessor and each of the power modules and a second power supply powers the second microprocessor and each of the power modules independently from the first power supply. Additionally the first and second microprocessors communicate with each other via both serial busses to determine which microprocessor is in active control and which microprocessor is on standby in addition to monitoring the health of the other microprocessor. The microprocessors can be used to provide command signals to satellite power distribution assemblies having satellite power modules for controlling additional aircraft systems. This configuration allows smaller satellite power distribution assemblies to be incorporated into the aircraft, which facilitates installation and provides more flexibility.
184 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A power distribution assembly comprising:
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a plurality of power modules for controlling multiple vehicle systems;
a first microprocessor having a first serial bus in communication with each of said power modules;
a second microprocessor having a second serial bus in communication with each of said power modules in ent from said first serial bus;
a first power supply for powering said first microprocessor and each of said power modules; and
a second power supply for powering said second microprocessor and each of said power modules independently from said first power supply. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of distributing power to a plurality of power modules in a power distribution assembly to control multiple aircraft systems comprising the steps of:
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(a) connecting a first serial bus between a first microprocessor and each of the power modules;
(b) connecting a separate second serial bus between a second microprocessor and each of the power modules;
(c) powering each of the power modules and the first microprocessor with a first power supply; and
(d) independently powering each of the power modules and the second microprocessor with a second power supply. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification