AIFTDS-8000 - A NEXT GENERATION PCM SYSTEM: CONCEPT THROUGH FINAL DESIGN

Abstract

Development of a next generation modular PCM system to satisfy a variety of applications for a decade or more resulted in a greater design effort than the use of the latest device technology to satisfy a current customer’s functional needs. Functionality of the existing product line, as well as competitive products, was coupled with a survey of users’ present and future needs, and their opinions of both the good and bad features of existing products. The survey covered system architecture, system throughput, signal conditioning, packaging, software, telemetry, recording and support. A phased development schedule implemented current customer requirements first, followed by development of ultimate system capabilities. Proof-of-concept prototyping proved extremely cost effective as significant changes and improvements in both mechanical and electrical designs resulted from the prototyping. Extensive internal design reviews permitted a wide range of engineering talent to contribute to the overall design. This major undertaking was started just over two years ago with mechanical prototyping and environmental testing of the new “Loaf-of-Bread” (LOB) packaging concept. The core system functionality, composed of 17 different types of functional modules, is now entering the production phase following full environmental qualification. Expanded system functionality is currently developed through proof-of-concept operational hardware which will be upgraded to production hardware within the year. The mechanical modularity achieved by the LOB package will permit system users to make low cost, periodic upgrades of key system functional elements by slice replacement without obsolescence of the majority of the users’ delivered hardware.