Martin R Batten

US Patent:

58092200, Sep 15, 1998

Filed:

Jul 20, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/504941

Inventors:

Brian D. Morrison - Hopkinton MA
Creig E. Wienke - Holliston MA
Martin R. Batten - North Grafton MA
Michael N. Robillard - Shrewsbury MA

Assignee:

Raytheon Company - Lexington MA

International Classification:

G06F 1100

US Classification:

3951821

Abstract:

A fault tolerant distributed intelligence control system for sensing and control across fault tolerant fiber optic communication media interconnecting a plurality of intelligent nodes. Each intelligent node comprises a digital control and communication processor (DCCP) operating autonomously in relation to DCCPs at other nodes, and a transceiver for interfacing with the communication media. The fiber optic communication media comprises bi-directional serial data buses. The combination provides a low cost highly reliable distributed control system particularly applicable to primary and secondary aircraft control systems, as well as to other vehicle and control systems.

US Patent:

57969353, Aug 18, 1998

Filed:

Jul 20, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/504942

Inventors:

Brian D. Morrison - Hopkinton MA
Martin R. Batten - North Grafton MA
Michael N. Robillard - Shrewsbury MA
Creig E. Wienke - Holliston MA

Assignee:

Raytheon Company - Lexington MA

International Classification:

G06F 1118

US Classification:

39518209

Abstract:

An intelligent voting node for a multiple node, fault tolerant, distributed intelligence control system having a plurality of optically isolated relays for connecting a power source to a load device and providing total optical isolation for processors of the voting node from faults occurring in the power source. The voting node includes triple redundant two-out-of-three voters each coupled to one of three redundant digital communication and control processors within the node. Built-in-self-test capability using optically isolated receiver devices provides for avoidance of latent failures.