Analysis

Kontron's Embedded Platforms provide Thales GateSync System

16th September 2011
ES Admin
0
Kontron announced its partnership with Thales, a leader in In-flight entertainment and connectivity systems, to design and manufacture the Enhanced Terminal Wireless LAN Unit for the company's GateSync system. The Thales GateSync system is a high-performance wireless ground connectivity solution for airports and airlines. The eTWLU, a critical element of the systems onboard networking, is a small sealed ARINC-763 compliant wireless transceiver that supports multiple high speed wireless protocols allowing the GateSync system to be deployed at airports throughout the world. The system enables airlines to wirelessly load and offload content and data while an aircraft is on the ground. The GateSync system will be on display in the Kontron booth #1222 and in the Thales booth #1401 at the APEX EXPO, September 12 - 15, 2011 in Seattle, Washington.
The Kontron eTWLU features the high performance PowerPC processor architecture. In order to ensure maximum connectivity throughput and reliability to off-aircraft networks the Kontron eTWLU is integrated with multiple radios -- two 802.16-2006 WiMAX radios supporting 10MHz channels operating from 5.725 - 5.875 GHz, a single 802.11a/g Wi-Fi radio, and a GPRS/EDGE/HSPA-capable GSM radio. The multi-radio approach maximizes the aircraft's ability to communicate with ground networks. Also, an internal GPS receiver reports equipment locations to the GateSync network operations center and software management system.

Kontron designed the eTWLU for maximum aircraft flexibility and network compatibility. When deployed as a stand-alone device, it delivers connectivity for interactive command and control and file transfer for system data exchange, said Andy Mason, Business Unit Manager, Mil Aero Products Group at Kontron. When used in conjunction with the Thales TopSeries IFEC system, the eTWLU supports a broadband connection to enable the delivery or updates of IFE multimedia content. Critical to the deployment, the integration was designed with COTS products in a flight-ready chassis that fits within the footprint specified by ARINC-763.

GateSync gives airlines fast and secure wireless transmission capabilities that enables them to optimize ground operations while providing increased passenger personalization to enhance their flying experience. The eTWLU is a key component to our overall solution and we are pleased to be working with Kontron, said Alan Pellegrini, Managing Director for the Thales In-flight Entertainment business.

GateSync has been thoroughly field tested at major airports and verified by major equipment manufacturers and several airlines, and will soon be deployed.

Featured products

Upcoming Events

View all events
Newsletter
Latest global electronics news
© Copyright 2024 Electronic Specifier