Subsystem Design and Integration of A Robust Modular Avionics Suite for UAV Systems Using the Time Triggered Protocol (TTP)

A robust modular open source avionics system which can be ported between different types of uninhabited air vehicles (UAVs) and ground based autonomous systems is a part of the UAV research systems at The University of Kansas. Using a modular subsystem design approach, new solutions for sensors, communication, navigation, and control have been integrated. This research involves the implementation of a bus system for the on-board UAV hardware systems using the Time Triggered Protocol (TTP), where the data communication occurs at predefined time intervals (typically milliseconds). An interface between the UAV's Flight Management System (WePilot AG) and the TTP bus is also being established. Data communications using TTP which is a fault tolerant system reduces the uncertainty in control and communications, increasing the reliability of the UAV's subsystems.