Applications of microsystems and signal processing for wiring integrity monitoring

This paper presents how the industry, universities, and government agencies are working to develop in-situ wiring sensor systems to detect, diagnose, predict and prevent wiring related problems in aerospace vehicles. The authors begin with a brief introduction to wiring related problems and the safety and economic impacts caused by deterioration and abuse. Next, the authors present how the Navy is funding development of "smart" wiring systems such as arc fault detecting circuit breakers, wiring harnesses and connectors. The paper presents how smart wiring incorporates real time signal processing, rule based reasoning and microsystems and sensor technologies to form an early warning system using web-based information technologies. Next the paper present plans to install and test smart wiring in new and legacy aircraft. The paper concludes with a discussion of how smart wiring has a far reaching impact in aerospace systems through application in prognostic health management of engines, avionics, and control systems attached to smart wiring.