Experimental approach to an optical wireless interface for an avionics data bus

Abstract

There are physical spaces and infrastructure environments in which conventional radio-frequency (RF) wireless systems can result in hazardous conditions due to the intrinsic risk of producing high levels of electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can affect sensitive electronic equipment placed in proximity of such high energy RF sources. Two good examples of infrastructures where the levels of EMI are severely restricted are hospitals and aircrafts. In the former stated examples, the failure of any critical system due to electromagnetic interference can lead to severe injury or loss of human life. Aviation industry can result largely benefited by the incorporation of wireless avionics capabilities, mainly due to the dramatic weight reduction associated to the removal of electrical wires. This significant weight reduction will inherently help to reduce operational costs. Nevertheless, classical RF technology cannot be used in this scenario because of the reasons previously exposed. This paper describes the implementation of a wireless optical interface for an avionics data network, which provides wireless capability without generating any electromagnetic interference to other systems already present in the aircraft. The presented interface acts completely transparent to an existent avionics bus topology and implies no modification whatsoever to any equipment already compatible with the bus.