Role of BIT in support system maintenance and availability

The role of built in test (BIT) in electronic systems has grown in prominence with the advances in system complexity and concern over maintenance lifecycle costs of large systems. In an environment where standards drive system designs (and provide an avenue for focused advancement in technology), standards for BIT are very much in an evolutionary state. The reasons for advancing the effectiveness of BIT include reduced support overhead, greater, confidence in operation, and increased system availability. The cost of supporting military electronic systems (avionics, communications, and weapons systems) has driven much of the development in BIT technology. But what about the systems that support these end items that contain test and measurement instrumentation - such as automatic test equipment (ATE), simulators and avionics development suites? There has also been a beneficial effect on the maintenance and availability of these systems due to the infusion of BIT into their component assemblies. But the effect has been much more sporadic and fragmented. This paper looks at the state of BIT in test and measurement instruments, explain its affect on system readiness, and present ideas on how to improve BIT technologies and standards. This will not provide definitive answers to BIT development questions, since the factors that affect it are specific to the instrument itself. The topics covered in this paper are: definitions of built-in test, instrument BIT history, importance of BIT fault coverage and isolation in support systems, overview of BIT development process issues that limit the effectiveness of BIT Standards related to instrument BIT, making BIT more effective in support system maintenance and availability and conclusions.     

Smart test program set (TPS)

The Boeing Company has several research and development efforts focused on improving interoperability of the test station with other external systems as well as the interoperability within the test station itself. This includes integrating UUT data, test set-up, test execution, test results, repair and replace actions with other systems to provide a "closed-loop" system. One example of the "closed-loop" system is a non-intrusive tool referred to as Smart TPS (Test Program Set). Smart TPS will provide informational services to the user that reduce diagnostic test times and provide an ordered list of replacement actions based on historical data. Where possible, data are exchanged via the automatic test markup language (ATML).     

对 GJB/Z77 多台同型产品增长模型的分析

GJB/Z77的附录A中,阐述了如何应用AMSAA模型进行多台同型产品的可靠性增长,给出了趋势检验、参数估计和拟合优度检验的方法,并提供了一个实例。对该模型进行了分析,指出GJB/Z77中存在的错误。     

Open systems architecture solutions for military avionics testing

Raytheon makes extensive use of open systems architecture methods in developing special test equipment (STE) for testing military avionics equipment. Such use has resulted in significant cost and schedule savings in the development of production test equipment for radar and infrared systems. With open systems architectures, a test system can be assembled using COTS products. This brings economies of scale to test equipment, which is normally built in very low quantities. Therefore, the potential cost savings due to COTS usage is proportionately greater in STE than in the higher volume avionics systems that are tested. A second major benefit of using COTS products is that test system development schedule cycle time is greatly reduced. This paper describes the application of Open Systems Architectures (OSA) to avionics testing. The following major architectures are surveyed: VME bus, VXI bus, IEEE GPIB, IEEE 1149.1 JTAG test bus, 1553 Military Bus, Fibre Channel, and COTS Test Applications Software. We describe how the benefits of OSA have been extended at Raytheon into achieving vertical test commonalities. The flexibility of OSA can be exploited to provide an overall optimum test solution, taking all levels of test into account. For example, test systems can be tailored with COTS products to provide integrated methods for avionics tests at the module, unit, and system levels. Test systems can be configured to maximize the reuse of COTS hardware over all test levels. Test software can also be programmed to optimize such reuse over levels of test. Additional test verticality synergies derived from such OSA usage are described, including: test false alarm avoidance; test cones of tolerance optimization; and efficient test of field returns     

Integrated automatic vehicle location systems

The state-of-the-art transportation management system integrates automatic vehicle location, in-vehicle systems, customer information networks, and management information systems. As advanced technologies are integrated into transportation systems, the transit system becomes more efficient and reliable, which, in turn, makes it more attractive to users. The greatest benefit will not be realized until all of these technologies are integrated. Transit agencies and system integrators who take a total systems approach to the integration of advanced technologies will have a competitive advantage. They will provide services which provide the greatest utility to prospective users, riders, and the transit agency at the lowest cost     

航空电子系统地面试验中测试系统的综合化、通用化设计

测试系统作为航空电子系统地面试验中的重要设备,为系统试验提供了自动化、数字化的科学手段和结果分析依据。以往的测试系统都是根据具体型号研制的设备,存在着利用率相对低、资源重复、资金浪费严重的情况。根据航空电子系统的构型和现有的技术条件,飞机航空电子系统综合验证试验研制通用的综合测试系统已成为必然。本文介绍了航空电子系统地面试验中测试系统的综合化、通用化设计方法。     

大展弦比机翼试验随动加载系统研究

在飞机结构试验中,通常会遇到试验加载点随试验件变形而移动变化的问题,尤其是机翼大变形会导致加载点与翼面不垂直的问题。开发一种适用于全复合材料机翼试验的随动加载系统,该系统引入有限元分析方法将机翼变形划分成N个特征飞行点,采用飞行点随动加载来保证各级加载点与翼面的垂直度,实现垂直跟随加载;应用该加载系统进行大展弦比的机翼静力试验。结果表明:运用该加载系统可顺利实现该无人机机翼试验,且加载过程平稳,试验件无抖动,变形均匀,应变数据符合试验要求,可以为类似加载系统提供设计依据。     

Application of Ground/Air Data Link to General Aviation Operations

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently upgrading secondary surveillance radars with systems which will have an integral data link capability, the Mode Select (Mode S) beacon system. These new systems will allow two-way data communications between ground systems (e.g., weather databases and Air Traffic Control (ATC) systems) and aircraft that are equipped with data link compatible Mode S transponders and suitable display and input devices. Initial data link services include both weather information and ATC advisories. The MITRE Corporation* is developing an in-house capability to perform end-to-end operational evaluation of data link services. Initially, a low-cost, portable pilot position man-machine interface is being developed for use in general aviation operations. The objective is to explore operational issues in laboratory and limited flight test environments, and to demonstrate these services on a data link I/O device, a laptop portable personal computer (PC) with touch panel. A group of pilots will bench test the interface design, and the results will be incorporated into the design used in flight testing. This paper describes the project's objectives and results to date, including implementation details and pilot test results.     

美军空间系统在轨试验问题综合研究

首先,按照空间系统的采办类型将美空间系统分为试验型系统和操作型系统,并介绍了美军两种类型的空间系统试验鉴定管理机制;其次,从试验技术、试验模式、试验手段、试验资源和试验能力多个角度,综合分析了美军空间系统在轨试验的主要做法与特点;最后,对我国空间系统在轨试验的发展提出启示建议。     

火控系统综合试验研究

现代火控系统强大的功能是战斗机作战性能的重要保证，而火控系统综合试验是确保系统装机后，是否能够满足设计要求的重要环节。本文在分析试验支持环境的基础上，介绍了导弹与系统交联试验的试验程序。     

Prospects of sea launches for Chinese cryogenic liquid-fueled medium-lift launch vehicles

This paper introduces the sea-launch technology of a cryogenic liquid-fueled medium-lift rocket. It first reviews the current state of sea launch technology, and then gives a brief introduction of China’s New Generation Medium-lift Launch Vehicle (NGMLV). The innovations in the NGMVL, such as responsive test and launch control, a H³ launch model, and unmanned operations, provide convenience for sea launches. Based on these innovations, this paper proposes a sea launch scheme, including the system configuration, test and launch processes, and an improved adaptive design for the rocket. Then, the launch platform is discussed in detail, which integrates the functions of sea transportation, assembly and test, as well as technical and launch areas. The layout and function divisions, fluid filling, gas supply and distribution systems, and lossless storage technology of LH2 are described in order. This breakthrough in sea launch technology will enable China to launch medium and large satellites and constellations ‘both on land and sea’, especially into low-inclination Low-Earth Orbits (LEOs), and it allows China to remain competitive in the fast-paced space industry.     

Improvements in Advanced Electronic Navigation Systems

Advanced electronic navigation systems will be required for future merchant ship operations involving minimum crew manning. These systems will rely on some form of electronic chart, which will require continual and timely updating with the latest correction information. This paper describes a newly developed chart correction computer system capable of automatically updating electronic charts via satellite data transfers. The system can provide a direct computer data link between a shipboard computer and the Defense Mapping Agency's Automated Notice to Mariners System.     

NETEX UWB test results

The goal of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA) Networking in Extreme Environments (NETEX) program is to create a wireless networking technology for the military user that enables robust connectivity in harsh environments and support its integration into new and emerging sensor and communication systems. Phase 1, resulted in a thorough understanding of the effects of ultra wide band (UWB) system operation on existing military spectrum users based on modeling, simulation, and measurements. In order to accomplish this task, the DARPA Advanced Technology Office (ATO) procured a set of UWB emitters and broadband antennas to use as interference sources and contracted with the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWC AD) Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E/sup 3/) Division to provide candidate victim systems from the existing (legacy) US naval aircraft and shipboard inventory for testing. Testing was conducted on seventeen legacy systems during October 2002 through March 2003. The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief overview of the results of these tests. This paper will provide a brief discussion of the UWB emissions as described by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and describe the generic UWB emitter used for these tests. It will then provide a discussion of the results as they apply to the purpose of the NETEX program.     

Ultra-reliable real-time control systems-future trends

Today's aircraft use ultra-reliable real-time controls for demanding functions such as Fly-By-Wire (FBW) flight control. Future aircraft, spacecraft and other vehicles will require greater use of these types of controls for functions that currently are allowed to fail, fail to degraded operation, or require human intervention in response to failure. Fully automated and autonomous functions will require ultra-reliable control. But ultra-reliable systems are very expensive to design and require large amounts of on-board equipment. This paper will discuss how the use of low-cost sensors with digital outputs, digitally commanded fault-tolerant actuation devices and interconnecting networks of low-cost data buses offer the promise of more affordable ultra-reliable systems. Specific technologies and concepts to be discussed include low-cost automotive and industrial data buses, “smart” actuation devices with integral fault masking capabilities, management of redundant sensors, and the fault detection and diagnosis of the data network. The advantages of integrating the control and distribution of electrical power with the control system will be illustrated. The design, installation, and upgrade flexibility benefits provided by an all-digital and shared network approach will be presented. The economic benefits of systems that can operate following failure and without immediate repair will be reviewed. The inherent ability of these redundant systems to provide effective built-in test and self-diagnostics capabilities will be described. The challenges associated with developing ultra-reliable software for these systems and the difficulties associated with exhaustive verification testing will be presented as will additional development hurdles that must be overcome     

Latest Trends in Radar System Testing

Radar systems were initially limited to military applications, but today most people encounter radar applications everyday. Given the broad range of applications, a variety of radar types and technologies have emerged to meet unique needs. This paper discusses about the latest advances on system performance and testing of radar systems. When performing characterization of a radar receiver design, a variety of signals are required to accurately recreate the operational environment. This paper will review the test signal environment needed for evaluation of various modern radar systems. Performance considerations in terms of signal source fidelity and spectral purity will also be investigated.     

An environment for the integration and test of the Space Stationdistributed avionics systems

An approach is described to supplying an environment for the integration and test of the Space Station distributed avionics systems. Background is included on the development of this concept including the lessons learned from Space Shuttle experience. The environment's relationship to the process flow of the Space-Station verification, from systems development to on-orbit verification, is presented. The uses of the environment's hardware implementation, called Data Management System (DMS) kits, are covered. It is explained how these DMS kits provide a development version of the Space-Station operational environment and how this environment allows system developers to verify their systems performance, fault detection, and recovery capability. Conclusions on how the use of the DMS kits, in support of this concept, will ensure adequate on-orbit test capability are included     

Integrated Avionics: Watershed in Systems Development

For aeronautical weapon systems now entering development, avionics will equal or surpass airframe, propulsion, and weapons in establishing system effectiveness, both in terms of mission accomplishment and in terms of reliability, availability, supportability, and life cycle cost. Emerging technologies created the opportunity to satisfy demanding operational needs and to provide the means to upgrade systems against an evolving threat. This requires, however, basic changes in the skills, design methods, and constraints applied to avionics development. This paper highlights trends in avionics technology and systems and suggests some of the new ground rules which must be imposed to realize their full potential. Avionics considerations must be a central element of system development from the very outset, and the process of conceptual planning and program estimation must take the new realities of avionics into account.     

歼击机高度分层试飞验证

针对采用气动补偿空速系统以改善测高系统精度的现代飞机 ,简要介绍了高度分层的要求 ;阐述了引起飞机空速系统位置误差的主要误差源并进行了分析 ;给出了通过 GPS速度法对歼击机高度分层试飞验证结果 ,并对试飞结果进行了分析和讨论 ;结果表明 ,所得到的试飞数据可为飞机气动补偿空速系统设计和高度分层试飞方法研究提供重要依据。     

振动疲劳试验的自动化

 本文提出一种新的疲劳试验系统,它采用闭环控制,显著提高了加载系统的精确度,基本上实现疲劳试验的无人操作,在国内叶片的自动化疲劳实验技术方面填补了一项空白。     

NASA B-757 HIRF test series low power on-the-ground tests

The data acquisition phase of a program intended to provide data for the validation of computational, analytical and experimental techniques for the assessment of electromagnetic effects in commercial transports, for the checkout of instrumentation for following test programs, and for the support of protection engineering of airborne systems has been completed. The initial phase involved on-the-ground electromagnetic measurements. Measurements were made of the fields coupled into the aircraft interior and signals induced in select structures and equipment under controlled illumination by RF fields. A characterization of the ground was also performed to permit ground effects to be included in forthcoming computer modeling exercises. A series of fly-by experiments were conducted in early 1995 in which the NASA B-757 was flown in the vicinity of a Voice of America station (~25 MHz), a fixed transmitter driving a log periodic array (172 MHz), and an ASRF radar at Wallops Island (430 MHz). In this paper, the overall test program is defined with particular attention to the on-the-ground portion. The test rationale, test layout, and samples of the data are described. Samples of some inferences from the data that will be useful in protection engineering and EM effects mitigation will also be presented