Mixing Staged Data Flow and Stream Computing Techniques in Modern Telemetry Data Acquisition/Processing Architectures

Abstract

Today’s flight test processing systems must handle many more complex data formats than just the PCM and analog FM data streams of yesterday. Many flight test programs, and their respective test facilities, are looking to leverage their computing assets across multiple customers and programs. Typically, these complex programs require the ability to handle video, packet, and avionics bus data in real time, in addition to handling the more traditional PCM format. Current and future telemetry processing systems must have an architecture that will support the acquisition and processing of these varied data streams. This paper describes various architectural designs of both staged data flow and stream computing architectures, including current and future implementations. Processor types, bus design, and the effects of varying data types, including PCM, video, and packet telemetry, will be discussed.