NETWORK-BASED DISTRIBUTED DATA ACQUISITION AND RECORDING FOR SMALL SYSTEMS

Abstract

Some of the first applications of network-based data acquisition systems have been for large aircraft. These systems contained numerous network nodes including data acquisition units, switches, recorders, network management units, and others. One of the desirable aspects of a networked-based system is the ability to scale such a system to meet increasing test requirements. Similarly, these systems lend themselves to scaling down, as well, to meet the testing needs of smaller test articles. These needs may include fewer nodes and/or physically smaller components. The testing of smaller vehicles places slightly different requirements on the testing process. In general, there is a greater need for real-time analysis, flexibility and ad-hoc testing. This paper will attempt to show how a small to medium sized test article can benefit from the same powerful, feature-rich network-based data acquisition and recording system as used on larger programs. The paper will also show how a smaller system can deliver on this promise without sacrificing performance and functionality.