Originally Posted by Pattern is full
All automation can fail
This is the primary thing that needs to be understood, especially in avionics.
Why re-engineer what I consider to be a 99.9% reliable solution? The essential problem is that of location. FDR/CVRs have been recovered from the most inaccessible places. There is little point in them separating from the airframe as there is always the need to recover bodies and airframe parts and the associated pingers are invaluable.
The real requirement is where to look. This could be addressed by a releasable locator beacon but preferably by real time tracking of aircraft. The latter is already being studied by ITU-R and I expect it will be implemented.
Such real time tracking can be accomplished by a miniature transponder with GPS that is indirectly connected the avionics circuits and is also Intinsically Safe. Being IS means that it is self-protected and no CBs are required in the circuit and it cannot be disarmed.