Inventors:
Robert Cooper - Seattle WA, US
Eugene Devereaux - Lakewood WA, US
Sharon Kaku - Auburn WA, US
International Classification:
G06F001/16
Abstract:
An apparatus and network, each including at least one expansion module, and an associated method are provided. The expansion module can be disposed between an aircraft connector and an avionic device connector to provide an electrical circuit for transmissions therebetween. The expansion module generates a signal representative of the transmissions, and the signal can be communicated, for example, via an Ethernet network to a controller, data storage device, or other devices. Further, the expansion module can be received by a tray that is also configured to receive the avionic device, so that the tray secures the avionic device to the aircraft, and the expansion module connects the avionic device and the aircraft when the avionic device is received by the tray. The expansion module can be disposed between corresponding aircraft connectors and avionic device connectors, such that the present invention can be used to retrofit existing aircraft.