An Object-Oriented Telemetry Format Management (TFM) System

Abstract

The telemetry format is a key piece of information utilized by both the flight segment and the ground segment of a mission. During the evolution of a mission, the telemetry format is usually going through many changes and refinements. Sometimes, a format may even evolve from mission to mission. The conventional Relational Data Base Management Systems (RDBMS) do not work well with telemetry formats because of the multidimensional nature of most telemetry formats. To reduce the complexity of managing dynamic telemetry formats, an innovative Telemetry Format Management (TFM) system has been designed. The TFM system utilizes new object-oriented concepts in managing the creation, the evolution, and the utilization of telemetry formats. It supports common telemetry formats including: Time-Division Multiplexed (TDM) telemetry formats and packet telemetry formats. By using the TFM system, one can greatly simplify most tasks associated with the development of telemetry formats. This paper describes the architecture, design concepts, and operational philosophy of the TFM system.