Managing Instrumentation Networks

Abstract

As traditional data acquisition systems give way to network-based data acquisition systems a new approach to instrumentation configuration, management and analysis is required. Today, most flight test programs are supported by traditional instrumentation systems and software. Pockets of network-based systems exist but are typically entirely new, closed systems. Relatively soon, test articles will emerge with a mixture of equipment. The merger of traditional and networked instrumentation is inevitable. Bridging the gap in software tools is a non-trivial task. Network-based data acquisition systems provide expanded flexibility and capabilities well beyond traditional systems. Yet pre-existing equipment requires traditional configuration and analysis tools. Traditional flight test software alone cannot fully exploit the added benefits gained from such mergers. The need exists for a new type of flight test software that handles existing instrumentation while also providing additional features to manage a network of devices. Network management is new to flight test software but a thoughtful implementation can facilitate easy transition to these modern systems. This paper explores the technologies required to satisfy traditional system configuration as well as the less understood aspects of network management and analysis. Examples of software that meet or exceed these requirements are provided.