Category: Testing

Copper-based ARINC818 Conversion Cards by iWave Systems for High-Speed Avionics Video

The ARINC 818 video transmission protocol has gained wide adoption as a standard for high-performance video systems in military and commercial aircraft. ARINC818 lends itself to applications that require few connectors, low weight, EMI resistance, or long-distance transmission. It serves as an interface solution for a wide range of used cases that includes cockpit recorders, cockpit simulators, video concentrators, infrared sensors, etc.
Typically, ARINC818 is implemented over optical and copper channels for speeds between 1Gbps to 3Gbps, but beyond 3Gbps it is implemented exclusively over fibre optics links.
Many avionics industries use copper transmission at a 1x link rate (1.0625Gbps) to provide low-resolution video at higher frame rates and high-resolution video at lower frame rates. Furthermore, with bit error rate having a significant impact in characterizing the performance of the data channels, achieving lower bit error rates in the received video frames via a copper medium is challenging compared to an optical medium.
As a global leader in ARINC818 protocol-based products, iWave Systems successfully implemented ARINC818-based video transmission over the copper transmission medium. With cabling playing an important role in copper transmission medium for getting the expected quality of video output, the R&D team analyzed various key factors to deal with the copper cables.
ARINC818 video transmission via conversion cards over the copper transmission medium
The ARINC818 to DVI and vice versa conversion card setup was used to observe the video output quality originating from the video source. The DVI input was converted to ARINC818, transmitted over the 100-Ohm copper cable, and converted back into DVI. Twinax shielded copper cable and Custom Quadrax copper cable were used in the setup to test the feasibility of transmission at a differential impedance of 100-Ohm and data transfer rates at 1.0625Gbps.

Implementation considerations
Various key factors were considered while implementing the copper-based interface such as,
• type of copper connectors & cables to be used
 Twinax shielded copper cable
 Custom quadrax copper cable
• cable characteristics to be considered which affects the output from copper connectors such as
 type of cable based on shielding, to provide EMI resistant transmission
– Cables can be the main source of transfer for EMI, both as a source and receiver. The primary way to combat EMI in cables is through the use of shielding. Shielded twinax and quadrax cable were used in the setup to get a stable video output
 impedance characteristics to offer undegraded throughput
– It was made sure that copper connector, mating plug, and copper cable have the same impedance characteristics to avoid throughput degradation
 cable length, to provide stable video output without any frame loss
– Since signal loss dramatically increases with the increase in data rate, to obtain the maximum length of the cable whilst maintaining the thickness repeated tests were conducted with different lengths of cable at different data rates.
 shielding ground connection for stable video output without any error or glitches
– Shield ground connection was carefully done to get the proper output without any error and glitches in the video
A full suite of tests was conducted for ARINC818 IP over the copper transmission medium proving that iWave’s ARINC818 protocol conversion cards are promising for applications where robustness, low latency, and reliability are necessary.

Fig 1.3: ARINC818 to DVI Conversion card
ARINC818 to DVI & Vice Versa conversion card features
• Rugged standalone module in 6U form factor
• Supported configuration is
o ARINC818 to DVI conversion
o DVI to ARINC818 conversion
o 2x ARINC818 Duplicator/Splitter
o 2x ARINC818 Switch
• Supports both front panel & backplane configuration
• MIL-Grade PCB
• Flexible cPCI connector for video transmission, reception, and communication with the system
• Supports both progressive & interlaced video up to Full HD @60fps
iWave Systems, with its 21 years of valuable experience in the FPGA domain, offers an extensive suite of ARINC818 protocol-based solutions and has successfully delivered several custom designs to our esteemed clients around the world. The ARINC818 IP embedded conversion cards can be leveraged to meet the advanced avionics applications with a significant requirement in terms of performance and reliability.
iWave Systems relies on years of expertise to assist you in the realization of your ideas with our complete range of comprehensive ARINC 818 solutions –

More information on ARINC 818 Solutions can be found here.
With 21 years of valuable expertise in the FPGA domain, iWave Systems offers FPGA designs tailored to meet customer’s specific requirements. We offer an extensive suite of FPGA based IP cores such as ARINC818 Complete suite, Storage, Legacy processors, and video processing IP’s.
iWave Systems presents an extensive portfolio of standard/custom System On Modules, SBC based on Xilinx Zynq & Zynq MPSoC SoC devices, Intel Arria10 & Cyclone V devices, and comprehensive Engineering design services involving embedded hardware, FPGA, and software development in servicing to multiple domains across the globe such as Industrial, Medical, Automotive, IoT and Computer Vision.
For more information or inquiries, please write to mktg@iwavesystems.com or log on to our website www.iwavesystems.com

Zetec Webinar Shows How to Increase Effectiveness of Bolt-Hole Eddy Current Inspections

Zetec Inc. has published its latest on-demand webinar detailing a more effective approach to one of the most common and critical nondestructive testing applications in aerospace MRO (maintenance, repair and operations): inspections of bolt holes in multi-layer materials.

The 40-minute webinar will discuss and demonstrate how using high-resolution C-scans and dedicated analysis displays for rotating-probe and eddy current array data can increase both eddy current inspection productivity and probability of detection.

“Rotating eddy current probes and traditional impedance and sweep displays lack the resolution to identify the individual layer where a defect resides. This can make it challenging to determine whether repairs are necessary,” said Nicholas Cardillo, Eddy Current Sales Engineering director for Zetec. “This webinar will show how to use readily available eddy current technology to better recognize signals of interest, understand flaw morphology and identify layers where bolt-hole flaws are located without the use of encoders or secondary manual measurement methods.”

The webinar features:

• An introduction to eddy current inspections of bolt holes and the specific inspection challenges related to probability of detection (POD) in multi-layer materials.
• The principles and application of examination techniques, including those outlined in U.S. Federal Aviation Administration Airworthiness Directive 2020-24-05 for the wing spar inspections of certain Piper Aircraft and the canopy sill longeron failures on F-15 fighter jets.
• A detailed look at examination results including how C-scan displays, advanced filters and data-review mode can increase user performance, POD and confidence in the eddy current inspection of bolt holes.

Zetec says their on-demand webinar is intended for inspection service providers, NDT technicians and aerospace MRO professionals. It is now available for viewing.

SAKOR Announces Dynamometer Line for Testing Electric Motor Efficiency to Meet International Enviro Standards

SAKOR Technologies has developed a series of dynamometer systems for customers required to test and verify the level of efficiency of electric motors in accordance with a variety of national and international standards, including IEC 60034-2-1; IEEE 112B; and Canadian standard C390-93. The SAKOR units can be used test from two to eight pole motors ranging from 10 watts to more than 3 megawatts.

As part of the global effort to reduce the use of fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions, regulators are developing energy efficiency standards for the billions of small, medium, and large electric motors used around the world. These regulations specify how to ensure motors are meeting the efficiency standards that have come into effect or are being phased in. First in line for regulation are induction motors; it is likely that permanent magnet motors will be regulated in the coming years, followed later by inverter driven motors.

The new line of SAKOR motor testing dynamometers offers high-accuracy testing for designers and manufacturers of electric motors of any size, for use in applications ranging from large industrial equipment to consumer appliances, including fans, refrigerators, and washing machines. They have been optimized so that individual machines can test the widest possible range of motor sizes and still maintain necessary accuracy tolerances. SAKOR systems meet the standards’ tight tolerances and exacting requirements regarding data precision and accuracy. Capable of precisely measuring motor efficiency, these dynamometers provide an essential tool to engineers seeking to reduce fossil fuel consumption and enhance energy efficiency to meet strict environmental standards and regulations.

“We have worked hard to define this line of systems to give the maximum utility per machine and make it most cost-effective for the customer,” said Randal Beattie, president of SAKOR. “By optimizing equipment to test the widest range of motor sizes with one system while staying within required accuracy levels, customers will need to buy the fewest number of machines at the lowest total cost.”

MTI Instruments Announces Newest Addition of the PBS-4100+ Portable Vibration and Balancing System

MTI Instruments announced their newest product addition, the PBS-4100+ Portable Vibration and Balancing System, “PBS Gen 4.”

“We are excited to announce our new PBS Gen 4 as it is fully portable, lightweight and rugged, and more importantly, it is the most powerful system in its class on the market,” said MTI Instruments’ president, Moshe Binyamin. “Additionally, this compact form factor system is designed to be used on the go with extended frequency range. We also expanded the capability set to include numerous innovative capabilities.”

The PBS Gen 4 is designed for commercial aviation mobile applications, featuring a new high-visibility case and up to four hours of continuous use on a single battery charge.

Included in the new system is a third tachometer input, supporting three-spool engines and geared-reduction fans giving the technician more information than ever before. The frequency range has been extended to 25 kHz, to support turboshaft and APU testing which streamlines vibration survey and balancing processes. With engine backup and restoration capabilities, users can be sure engine parameters are configured correctly every time. While the unit reflects the latest in balancing system technology, it remains easy to use with limited training required, especially for technicians familiar with previous iterations of MTI’s PBS systems.

The PBS Gen 4 integrates features that ensure the system is easier to use than any PBS before it.

“The new cable check is a fantastic addition which, once it hits the market, I believe will quickly become the new standard in the future,” said Hamish Haridas, field service representative, Vital Link Europe Ltd. “The quick switch is also a great addition which will alleviate having to remind the operators that conducting vibration survey is in another ‘screen’, making balancing seamless.”

The new software has enhanced protection against online threats, with continuing updates provided, ensuring seamless workflow and limited downtime due to cybersecurity issues.

“The true differentiator is all of the technology and software packed into a simple easy to use interface,” said Ken Ameika, global director of Sales at MTI Instruments. “Today and tomorrow, when engine vibration levels need to be negated, the WinPBS balancing wizard will get the job done quickly and easily. It even supports both trial weight and stored influence coefficient balancing methods. There is no other system on the market that can do what the PBS-4100+ does as efficiently and easily.”

With vibration diagnostics that can help identify vibration sources and onboard spectral analysis finding potential problems before they occur, the system helps identify concerns before they become safety risks in-flight situations. With unique tachometer signal conditioning circuitry, speed signals from all engine types, as well as tachometer generators, add a higher level of diagnostics, available only to users of the PBS-4100+ system.

CCX and Avant Aerospace Ink Exclusive Distribution Agreement

CCX Technologies has inked a distribution agreement with Avant Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of West Star Aviation. The agreement gives Avant, a leading aviation parts distributor, the exclusive right to sell CCX’s innovative T-RX Avionics Radio and Pulse Testers in South America and Mexico.

“The Avant team has a deep understanding, strong presence and excellent reputation in South America and Mexico, a clear advantage as we expand our T-RX tester’s footprint into the region,” said Chris Bartlett, president of CCX Technologies. “When it comes to customer support, our philosophy is simple: provide it where our customers are based. This agreement is an essential step in our aim to make avionics testing easier and more efficient for aircraft maintainers around the world, and we welcome this great opportunity to work with Avant. They are leaders in the MRO field and we look forward to building a strong relationship.”

Aircraft maintainers and technicians use the T-RX to test the majority of avionics radio systems with more than 100 different tests. Rugged, easy to use and portable, the T-RX replaces legacy testers with a single, compact unit that is easy to upgrade as new test requirements and standards emerge. The T-RX streamlines testing and allows maintainers to print test reports and incorporate them into customer work orders, saving time while giving confidence that testing is done right.

“At Avant, we pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality certified parts and service to MROs,” said John Hardy, director of Avant Aerospace. “We are keen to put the T-RX to use testing our own parts, but more importantly, giving MROs all over South America and Mexico the ability to benefit from the T-Rx’s streamlined testing capabilities. We’re pleased to have this opportunity to represent CCX in this growing market.”

GDP Space Systems Provides Telemetry Receivers for Upcoming NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Psyche Mission

GDP Space Systems will be providing ground equipment to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in support of the upcoming Psyche mission. Originally purchased to support previous successful Mars programs, GDP’s telemetry receivers have now been repurposed to test the RF transmitter for the Psyche mission; a journey to a unique metal asteroid orbiting the Sun between Mars and Jupiter.

By spring of 2022, the spacecraft will be fully assembled and ready to ship to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, where it will launch in August 2022. Psyche will fly by Mars for a gravity assist in May 2023 and in early 2026, it will slip into orbit around the asteroid, where it will spend 21 months gathering data for analysis. The Psyche spacecraft’s target is a metal-rich asteroid of the same name, which orbits the Sun in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Scientists think that, unlike rocky or icy asteroids, Psyche is largely iron and nickel and could be the heart of an early planet that lost its outer layers. Exploring the asteroid Psyche (about 140 miles, or 226 kilometers, wide) could lend valuable insight into how Earth and other planets formed.

These critical JPL missions presented a unique and difficult task for the Model 4426 Telemetry Receivers; to support extremely low bit rates and poor signal to noise ratio, down to 10 bits per second with convolutional encoding. For testing the Psyche transmitter, the receiver is now processing a QPSK signal at 1.08Mbps and is capable of operation up to 40Mbps. The 3rd generation telemetry receiver design provides comprehensive multi-link support for satellite and flight test ground station applications in a fully integrated package. In addition to the exclusive 4-Input Diversity Combiner Function and our Ethernet Outputs supporting IRIG 218-20, IRIG 106 Chapter 7 / Chapter 10, and IRIG 106-17 Appendix 2G Best Source Selection (DQE), the Model 4426 product line features an internal 70MHz Test Modulator Output function making it ideal for ground telemetry missions.

“Our receiver product line offers unmatched performance, features, and functionality in a cost-effective solution” stated Gary Thom, President of GDP Space Systems. “We are very excited to be a part of this historic mission to understand the origins of our planet.” GDP Space System’s telemetry receivers were also selected for use in the successful mission that landed the Curiosity rover on Mars for remote exploration and for the Perseverance rover, which is scheduled to arrive on Mars in February 2021.

Waygate Technologies Announces Relaunch of Industrial Inspection Ecosystem InspectionWorks

Waygate Technologies, an industrial inspection solutions and non-destructive testing (NDT) provider, has released a completely revised and extended version of its flagship ecosystem for inspection data management, InspectionWorks. The upgrade includes an easy-to-use and customer-centric user interface and user experience design as well as new features including fleet management, remote monitoring diagnostics, inspection data storage and advanced analytics.

The company says this release marks an important milestone for them in its commitment to offer an integrated software ecosystem for inspection management. InspectionWorks covers all activities from the planning and dispositioning of devices, to the collection, analysis and storage of data with one single platform. Users can thereby handle their inspection management holistically, improving design, manufacturing, operations and later servicing of their products. This increases productivity and reliability and lifts inspection from a necessary control step to a valuable service. InspectionWorks is compatible both with Waygate Technologies hardware solutions and third party products.

“Predictive maintenance and operational intelligence rely on analytics, automated defect recognition or deep learning on both inspection and/or machine data. They enable our customers to predict issues before they arise by harnessing histrocial data and give actionable insights to make better and faster decisions. For us, this is the future of industrial inspection,” says Arungalai Anbarasu, CTO at Waygate Technologies. “It is an area where we excel because we can  combine the enormous amount of inspection data we collected during the last decades with insights that only a company like Waygate Technologies can reliably provide.”

 

SAKOR Technologies Provides New Dynamometer System to General Atomics

SAKOR Technologies recently provided a dynamometer test system to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems for use in testing starters/alternators for military remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) of the Predator class and larger. The system features a 58 horsepower (Hp) AccuDyne AC 4 quadrant motoring dynamometer and other subsystems configured for starter/generator testing and is automated by SAKOR’s DynoLAB test automation controller.

The SAKOR test system will be used by General Atomics for testing the motor that starts the RPA turbines. Once under turbine power, this motor then turns into a generator that produces electricity for flight controls and sensor suite onboard the RPA.

The AccuDyne four-quadrant dynamometer is capable of full bi-directional braking or driving the device under test. It can also provide full rated torque at stall (zero RPM). The dynamometer has been configured with 58 Hp bi-directional motoring and absorbing; line-regenerative power absorption; and a maximum speed of 12,600 rpm. The system is equipped with a heavy-duty test bench; vertical rack enclosure; and a four-phase power analyzer configured to measure the DC input and three-phase AC voltage, current and power output from the DUT motor controller (inverter). SAKOR also provided on-site installation supervision, commissioning, and training services.

The system is automated by SAKOR’s DynoLAB test automation controller, a powerful system that enables test engineers and/or technicians to design and implement complex test procedures without the need to learn a programming language. Operators can quickly configure and run tests using the easy to use, menu driven interface.

“We are proud to be involved with the effort to provide our military with the most advanced equipment in the world,” said Randal Beattie, president of SAKOR. “RPAs are at the forefront of modern technology and this test equipment will help ensure it remains state of the art far into the future.”

Trimec Aviation Acquires CA-42- Digital Compass Rose System

Trimec Aviation, a Certified Part 145 Repair Station (#18TR248C), announced it has added a Capital Avionics CA-420 digital compass rose system to support its growing client base with this state-of-the-art aircraft compass alignment tool.

“It has become increasingly difficult and problematic to locate traditional compass roses at local airports to calibrate an aircraft magnetic compass,” John Holland, Trimec Aviation, general manager, commented. “This new advanced CA-420 system is so accurate and intuitive; we find it to be a valuable tool for our customers, not to mention its convenience. We also remind our customers that the magnetic compass needs to be recalibrated periodically, as suggested by the manufacturer. In addition, it needs recalibrated when the plane has a major component change, is relocated to a significantly different latitude, or when it has remained idle for one-year or more.”

The CA-420 compass rose system incorporates the latest technology and utilizes an android tablet with wi-fi connectivity. Advanced magnetic sensors, processors, and an RF communications link provide technicians with an innovative tool to align the aircraft compass quickly and accurately.

Aerospace Tech Week Call for Papers Open

The 2021 Aerospace Tech Week Organizing Committees are inviting abstracts for consideration for inclusion in the conference for the following topics:

– AVIONICS
– CONNECTED AICRAFT
– FLIGHT OPS IT
– MRO IT
– AEROSPACE TESTING
– FACE

Aerospace Tech Week will take place on 25th-26th March 2021 in Toulouse, France and is the premier annual gathering of aerospace technology professionals to discuss and develop systems and solutions for international airlines, avionics, aerospace testing, flight ops and MRO communities in the commercial and defence aerospace sector

If you are interested, you are invited by the conference committee to submit your abstract for consideration at www.aerospacetechweek.com/call-for-papers

#aerospace #avionics #connectedaircraft #aerotesting #aerospacetesting #flightopsit #mroit #face #atw