CIE Components in Electronics
Kontron has expanded its ranges of Cab-n-Connect cabin wireless access points (CWAPs) with a new 28VDC version. Designed for use in business jets and regional aircraft that utilize 28VDC power instead of AC power, the enterprise class wireless access point takes advantage of the IEEE 802.11n specification, which increases maximum throughput to 300 megabits per second (mbps) for wireless clients. It is also backwards compatible to 802.11 a/b/g standards, and is based on Motorola”s advanced access point technology.
The Cab-n-Connect product family provides secure wireless connectivity for commercial airlines, general aviation and now with the release of a 28VDC power input option, supports the DC requirements of smaller business and regional jets. The unit also supports simultaneous dual radio operation (2.4GHz and 5GHz), is compliant to the I/O requirements of ARINC 763, and can operate in both cabin wireless LAN and terminal wireless LAN modes.
“With the growing demand for bandwidth within the aircraft cabin and the trend to provide video streaming to passengers, existing wireless access points using 802.11a/b/g wireless standards are not able to support large numbers of high throughput users on a plane,” said Andy Mason, Business Line Manager of Commercial Avionics at Kontron. “The Kontron Cab-n-Connect utilizes a unique adaptive architecture that provides intelligent and automatic features to enhance the overall performance and experience for passengers. It does all this at a reduced total cost of ownership to airlines and aircraft owners, and we believe it gives a significant performance advantage over competing airborne access points.”
According to the company the Cab-n-Connect product family has been rigorously tested to DO-160, and the AC power input version has been successfully deployed in numerous narrow-body and wide-body commercial aircraft. The new line offers a highly cost-effective CWAP solution compared to other solutions on the market and also meets ongoing reduced size, weight and power requirements that avionics industry customers need to remain competitive.
Kontron is also offering certified WiFi antenna kits that are compatible with both its AC and DC Cab-n-Connect access points. The integrated antenna solution is optional and eliminates cabling between the antenna and the access point in the cabin. A reduced profile version of Kontron”s antenna solution for the 28VDC Cab-n-Connect is planned for the future to meet space-constrained installation requirements of some business or regional jets.
Evaluation units of the Kontron 28VDC Cab-n-Connect CWAP are available now with full production scheduled for June 2013.
