Cell-based architecture for adaptive wiring panels: A first prototype

We present a first prototype for developing the concept of a manifold of adaptive wiring cells connected as a single overall adaptive wiring panel. The main use of the adaptive wiring panel is related to affordable plug-and-play space applications. A reconfigurable switch fabric enables dynamic routing of signals and power; thus, power, digital, and analog signals can be routed for space systems. This concept can also be applied to terrestrial applications such as aircraft wiring and ground-based systems. The adaptive wiring panel is a manifold of adaptive wiring cells cast as a single overall panel. The panel is a pegboard-like structure, which does not articulate specific sockets, but rather provides a continuous grid of contact pads and mechanical mounting holes. Implementation is based on three basic elements: 1) cell units, which are minimum independent units of the adaptive wiring panel, each with interconnections and links with other cells to form the switch fabric by which we wire components to each other; 2) a cell management unit, which talks independently with all cell units and manages the wiring path and panel switch connections; and 3) modules that provide the components to be wired.