The Boeing Company

Brian Edward Ward

Timothy McNally Mitchell

Donald B Lee

Anil Kumar

Nha Thanh Nguyen

Roger C vonDoenhoff

Bertin Koala

Nha T Nguyen

A method for communicating data between a vehicle and a ground system comprises receiving, by a vehicle bus multiplexer on the vehicle, the data via a plurality of vehicle data buses from an onboard system. The method further comprises multiplexing, by the vehicle bus multiplexer, the data into at least one data path of a multi-use power interface. Also, the method comprises transmitting, by the multi-use power interface via at least one data path, the data from the vehicle bus multiplexer to a ground bus multiplexer associated with the ground system. In addition, the method comprises demultiplexing, by the ground bus multiplexer, the data from at least one data path of the multi-use power interface into a plurality of ground data buses associated with the ground system. Further, the method comprises transmitting, by the ground bus multiplexer, the data via the plurality of ground data buses to the ground system.

Multi-use optical data, powerline data, and ground power interface for airplane factory automation

Systems, methods, and apparatus for a multi-use optical data, powerline data, and ground power interface for an airplane are disclosed. A method for communicating data between a vehicle and a ground system comprises disposing a pin of a connector of a multi-use power interface, which is connected to the ground system, into a socket of a connector of the vehicle such that a lens located on an end of the pin mates with an interior surface of a bottom of the socket. The pin and the socket each comprise an optical portion and a power portion. The method further comprises providing, by the ground system, power to an onboard system on the vehicle via the power portions of the pin and socket. Further, the method comprises communicating data between the onboard system and the ground system via the optical portions and the power portions of the pin and socket.

Multi-use optical data, powerline data, and ground power interface for an airplane

A system configured to communicate with a vehicle on-board system of a vehicle. The system includes a ground sub-system configured to provide power to and to communicate with the vehicle on-board system. The ground sub-system includes an integrated power and communications connector including a socket having a conductive portion and an optical communication portion. The integrated power and communications connector is configured to supply power to the vehicle on-board system via the conductive portion, and is configured to communicate data between the vehicle on-board system and the ground sub-system via the optical communication portion.

Methods and systems for communicatively coupling vehicles and ground systems

A vehicle that includes an onboard connector including a conductive portion and an optical communication portion. The vehicle further includes an optical interface coupled in communication with the onboard connector and onboard systems of the vehicle. The optical interface is configured to at least one of receive or transmit optical signals via the optical communication portion. When a ground-system connector is connected to the onboard connector, data included in the optical signals is communicated between the ground system connector and the onboard systems of the vehicle.

Methods, systems, and an integrated Broadband over Power Line (BPL) module cover assembly for communicating data between an aircraft and a ground-based network are provided. The assembly includes a power receptacle cover plate and a BPL module coupled to said power receptacle cover plate.

Methods and systems for vehicle communication to a data network

A method for providing information by optimizing the data rate to a vehicle over a three-phase power line utilized to provide power to the vehicle is described. The method includes assigning three separate frequency bands to three respective conductors extending between a ground power system and the vehicle, generating carrier signals in three separate frequency bands and modulating various data onto three carrier signals to generate three transmission signals for sending the various data from the ground power system to the vehicle at frequencies within respective ones of the three separate frequency bands. The frequencies for each of the three separate frequency bands do not overlap one another. The method also includes switching the three transmission signals onto respective conductors of the three-phase power line, demodulating the various data within the vehicle, and providing the various data to one or more vehicle systems.

Methods and system for increasing data transmission rates across a three-phase power system

Methods and systems for communicating data between a vehicle and a ground system are described. The system includes an integrated power and communications connector that couples to the vehicle so that power is supplied to at least selected systems on-board the vehicle. In addition, data is communicated between the vehicle on-board systems and the ground system via the integrated connector.

A method for providing information by optimizing the data rate to a vehicle over a three-phase power line utilized to provide power to the vehicle is described. The method includes generating carrier signals in three separate frequency bands, modulating various data onto the three carrier signals to generate three transmission signals, switching the three transmission signals onto respective conductors of the three-phase power line, demodulating the various data within the vehicle, and providing the various data to one or more vehicle systems. The three transmission signals are dynamically monitored such that the three frequency bands are controlled to optimize a data rate of the transmission.

Methods and systems for communicating data between an aircraft and a ground-based unit are provided. The method includes integrating a Broadband over Power Line (BPL) module and inductive coupler into the ground-based unit, communicatively coupling the aircraft to the ground-based unit, initiating a Broadband over Power Line (BPL) link between the aircraft and the ground-based unit when power is supplied to the aircraft, and updating data stored in the aircraft with data received from the ground-based unit.

Growing community of inventors

Kent, WA, United States of America

Brian Edward Ward