AIFTDS-4000, A FLEXIBLE HIGH SPEED DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM

Abstract

The data acquisition system of today’s research aircraft generally consists of a multiplicity of “black boxes” linked together by wiring cables of various lengths and sizes. This approach offers the user an “off-the shelf” type of flexibility to which he has become accustomed. It does not, however, provide for all the needs of an results demanded by today’s technology. The rising costs of flight test hours, the sophisticated airframes, and the minimum flight time allotted for actual flight test indicate a need to review existing data acquisition system technology and apply up-to-date technology. The NASA Flight Research Center at Edwards, California, initiated a review of its needs in the area of airborne data acquisition systems. The result was a new and powerful system called “AIFTDS-4000” (Airborne Integrated Flight Test Data System). AIFTDS is a high speed computer-controlled PCM system comprised of three basic units, the remote multiplexer de-multiplexer unit, the PCM processor, and the memory unit. The three units were designed and tested to meet the requirements of pertinent Mil-Specs for high performance aircraft. The signal conditioning, sensor excitation, and time code generator were designed as an integral part of the system and are not separate chassis. This paper discusses the design objectives established prior to actual hardware construction and compares these objectives with the final hardware.