The Boeing Company

Joseph A Schneider

Gregory Lloyd Sheffield

Fernando Dones

Glenn R Reese

Femando Dones

A vehicle management system (VMS) computer includes a power distribution controller that includes a plurality of power distribution circuits that are each controlled by the controller to supply power to end component loads. The power distribution controller is communicably coupled to a data processing system by a bus. The VMS computer also includes a plurality of settable circuit breakers, wherein each of the plurality of settable circuit breakers corresponds to a respective one of the plurality of power distribution circuits. The power distribution controller is configured to monitor various values such as voltages, currents, powers, power spikes, and interruptions and to interrupt a respective one of the plurality of power distribution circuits via a settable circuit breaker upon detecting an indication of a fault from the monitored values.

Vehicle management system and replacement of separate power distribution units

A vehicle management system (VMS) computer includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor by a bus. The VMS computer also includes a power distribution controller that includes a plurality of power distribution circuits that are each controlled by the controller to supply power to a plurality of end component loads. The power distribution controller is communicably coupled to the processor and the memory by the bus. The VMS computer also includes a plurality of parallel power distribution lines. Each pair of parallel power distribution lines couples a respective one of the plurality of power distribution circuits to a corresponding one of a plurality of end component loads. Each of the plurality of power distribution circuits supplies power via both lines in a respective pair of the plurality of parallel power distribution lines.

Vehicle management system and parallel power distribution lines

A vehicle management system (VMS) computer includes a data processing system comprising a processor, a memory, and a power distribution controller. The power distributions controller includes a plurality of power distribution circuits that are each controlled by the controller to supply power to end component loads. The power distribution controller is communicably coupled to the data processing system by a bus. The power distribution controller is configured to control power generation by each of the plurality of power distribution circuits such that each of the plurality of power distribution circuits generates output power at an adjustable voltage level output to a respective one of the end component loads.

Integration of vehicle management system and power distribution control

Methods and apparatus are provided for detecting sensor wiring faults. A difference is determined between a high voltage and a low voltage. The high voltage and the low voltage are both related to a sensor that includes a high-voltage wire and a low-voltage wire. A determination is made whether the difference has dropped based on a low-voltage threshold. After determining that the difference has dropped, a fault in the high-voltage wire is indicated. A determination is made whether the difference has risen based on a high-voltage threshold, where the low-voltage threshold is less than the high-voltage threshold. After determining that the difference has risen, a fault in the low-voltage wire is indicated.

Linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) secondary wiring intermittent failure monitor

Methods and apparatus are provided for detecting faults in excitation wiring. A first sum of a first high voltage and a first low voltage related to a first sensor is determined, where the first sensor is further related to an excitation voltage. A second sum of a second high voltage and a second low voltage related to a second sensor is determined, where the second sensor is further related to the excitation voltage. The excitation voltage is provided to both the first and second sensors using excitation wiring. A determination is made whether each of the first sum and the second sum changes beyond a threshold amount during a first time interval. After determining that each of the first sum and the second sum has changed beyond the threshold amount during the first time interval, an indication of a fault in the excitation wiring is provided.

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Havertown, PA, United States of America

Joseph A Schneider