DIGITAL TAPE RECORDING IN AN AIRBORNE DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM

Abstract

This paper describes the functionality of an airborne telemetry system which collects data from standard PCM, MIL 1553 and ARINC data sources and records this data to an AMPEX DRCSi Digital Tape Recorder while supporting concurrent realtime data processing and display functions. The system includes data acquisition equipment, digital to analog capability, data simulation and a wide range of data preprocessing capability. Emphasis is given to the implementation of the AMPEX recorder interface. The entire system is composed of data acquisition equipment to directly input measurements, a telemetry front end to collect PCM, MIL 1553 and ARINC 429 & 561 data, a host computer to control and monitor the setup, recording and distribution of data and a pair of high resolution color workstations for operator control and data display. This equipment is housed within a single, military-type electronic enclosure which is loaded into the cargo bay of the aircraft as a single unit and manned by two people during flight. The Digital Tape Recorder provides for a large data capacity and very high data rates. Special I/O requirements, data rates and data selection options are discussed. Consideration is given for the best test flight utilization of the AMPEX recorder in both acquisition and playback modes.