A FLEXIBLE MULTIFUNCTION TELEMETRY INPUT/OUTPUT MODULE

Abstract

Many high-performance, reconfigurable data functions can now be integrated into a single PCI circuit board, making possible low-cost and complex systems using PCs or UNIX workstations. FPGA and PCI technologies are an excellent match to telemetry applications where commercial off-the-shelf solutions are desired, but customization is common and performance critical. A Multifunction Telemetry I/O (MFT) module was designed to exploit these technologies for both flight test and space telemetry ground systems. The reconfigurability of the module has facilitated evolutionary hardware enhancements as well as custom applications. These enhancements have been used both as building blocks for system integrators and for commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) graphic setup, processing, archiving, and display software. The MFT module includes a standard set of telemetry functions: up to two bit synchronizers, an IRIG time decoder, and two independent telemetry serial input and output channels. The MFT module is also available on a 6U VME board. This paper describes some of the proven capabilities and applications of this module.