APPLICATION NOTE
UNIVERSAL TESTING SYSTEM FOR ALTIMETERS
KEY WORDS : Aerospace - Defence - Embedded System - Multi source acquisition - RS232 - RS422 RS485- ARINC-429 - MIL-STD-1553 - Analog inputs - Discrete inputs
How to have a flexible and evolutive testing system meeting strong
environmental and functional constraints ?
CLIENT : Thales Communications & Security is a leading global supplier of secure
communications systems. The company develops ambitious growth strategy in information
systems and secure communication for defence procurement, security and ground
transportation. In this context, the French site of Colombes develops and manufactures
tactical air and naval radio equipments
REQUIREMENTS : Thales Communication needs an Heliborne real-time multisource acquisition system for radio altimeter
validation and qualification. The testing system must meet the following features : runs acquisition of measure from multisources : ARINC 429, MIL-STD-1553, RS422-232, Analog, discrete… - Performs control-command on remote monitoring
station - Transmits data via Ethernet or Wi-Fi - Display on map 2D trajectory. Its design must also meet test requirements
at sea or in wave pool : portability, ruggedness, waterproofing, resistance to extreme temperature and vibration ...
GOALS : A radio altimeter, as all aircraft equipments must undergo many phases of validation testing, qualification, production control, etc. .. The main challenge is a system that meets all these types of tests, in laboratory and embedded. In addition, it is important to have unique architecture working with multiple versions of altimeters which can present a great
variability in terms of communication interfaces.
SOLUTION
Our solution is supported by two key elements connected with an Ethernet bus : firstly a rugged acquisition system (SAM)
based on a PC/104 architecture, secondly a monitoring PC (SPE) designed from a rugged portable PC.
During test, the SAM gets data, records them on a local mass storage and transmits measures to the monitoring via network.
The monitoring includes every mean of control, real time visualization for acquired data, … of the SAM.
To meet all test environments, the Ethernet connection between the SAM and the SPE is implemented either in form of a
100BT Ethernet cable or in form of a private Wifi. The two components thus include these communication means.
The SPE includes MAGALI software for the following functions :test follow-up, processings, visualization of reports. Replay
mode is a key function to replay a test in real time : slowed down or speeded.
In addition to the real time processor, local mass storage, filar and Wifi Ethernet interfaces and own power supply, the SAM
( PC/104) includes the following acquisition ressources : 8 RS232, RS422 buses - 8 ARINC-429 buses - 2 MIL-STD-1553 buses
- 8 discrete inputs - 8 discrete outputs - 4 analog inputs @ 1,2 Mhz on 12 bits
The SAM can support heavy environment constraints : waterproof, holds vibration modes compatible with MIL-STD-810F
standard, with a power supply compliant with MIL-STD-704B standard.
Problem related to multiple configuration of acquisitions links to various type of radioaltimeters is easily handled via the
concept of MAGALI test zones.
Each type of radioaltimeter, has its own test zone. The operator thus just select the zone corresponding to the specimen to
test and the operator then runs a new test.
All tests are subjected to an automated test report via MAGALI macrocommands.