TIPS Telemetry Compiler

Abstract

The TIPS Telemetry Compiler is a keyworded-free format language processor used to generate run-time tables for controlling the real-time software and front-end hardware of the Telemetry Integrated Processing System (TIPS) at Vandenberg Air Force Base. The use of a compiler shortens response time to new requirements and improves analyst productivity. The Telemetry Source Language (TSL) is the interface between the telemetry analyst and the compiler. For example, TSL statements are used to specify parameters for the telemetry stream, compression algorithms, data acquisition, display, and history recording. Considerable flexibility has been built into the internal structure of the compiler by the use of an Input Control Definition Language (ICDL) to define the construction of the TSL. The flexibility provided by the use of an ICDL to map the source language into the compiler data base is essential for adapting the compiler to requirements beyond the scope of the original construction. The compiler data base is sufficiently large and complex to require the implementation of data base management and memory management techniques. The nature of these facilities is important for a modular architecture and for reasonable computational efficiency. These key features of the internal structure of the Telemetry Compiler are transparent to the Compiler user. The output of the compiler is a Run-Time File for use by the Real-Time Software in loading the programmable front-end hardware and in software process control. The TIPS Telemetry Compiler is written in structured FORTRAN on a CDC CYBER 173. The real-time software executes on a network of SEL 32/55 processors. At the time of publication, the framework of the compiler was completed as well as major portions of the run-time file generation phase, and the compiler had been used to build run-time files for major development milestones.