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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 307 records · Page 17
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1987

Computer architecture for efficient algorithmic executions in real-time systems: New technology for avionics systems and advanced space vehicles

Improvements and advances in the development of computer architecture now provide innovative technology for the recasting of traditional sequential solutions into high-performance, low-cost, parallel system to increase system performance. Research conducted in development of specialized computer architecture for the algorithmic execution of an avionics system, guidance and control problem in real time is described. A comprehensive treatment of both the hardware and software structures of a customized computer which performs real-time computation of guidance commands with updated estimates of target motion and time-to-go is presented. An optimal, real-time allocation algorithm was developed which maps the algorithmic tasks onto the processing elements. This allocation is based on the critical path analysis. The final stage is the design and development of the hardware structures suitable for the efficient execution of the allocated task graph. The processing element is designed for rapid execution of the allocated tasks. Fault tolerance is a key feature of the overall architecture. Parallel numerical integration techniques, tasks definitions, and allocation algorithms are discussed. The parallel implementation is analytically verified and the experimental results are presented. The design of the data-driven computer architecture, customized for the execution of the particular algorithm, is discussed.

Carroll, Chester C.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Integrated avionics reliability

The integrated avionics reliability task is an effort to build credible reliability and/or performability models for multisensor integrated navigation and flight control. The research was initiated by the reliability analysis of a multisensor navigation system consisting of the Global Positioning System (GPS), the Long Range Navigation system (Loran C), and an inertial measurement unit (IMU). Markov reliability models were developed based on system failure rates and mission time.

Alikiotis, Dimitri↗
NASA NTRS1988

An innovative approach to supplying an environment for the integration and test of the Space Station distributed avionics systems

This paper describes an innovative approach to supplying an environment for the integration and testing of the Space Station distributed avionics systems. The environment's relationship to the process flow of the Space Station verification from systems development to on-orbit verification is presented. This paper also describes the uses of the environment's hardware implementation called Data Management System (DMS) kits. The way in which this environment allows system developers to independently verify their system's performance, fault detection, and recovery capability is explained.

Barry, Thomas↗
NASA NTRS1988

An environment for the integration and test of the Space Station distributed avionics systems

An approach to supplying an environment for the integration and test of the Space Station distributed avionics systems is described. Background is included on the development of this concept including the lessons learned from Space Shuttle experience. The environment's relationship to the process flow of the Space-Station verification, from systems development to on-orbit verification, is presented. The uses of the environment's hardware implementation, called Data Management System (DMS) kits, are covered. It is explained how these DMS kits provide a development version of the space-station operational environment and how this environment allows system developers to verify their systems performance, fault detection, and recovery capability. Conclusions on how the use of the DMS kits, in support of this concept, will ensure adequate on-orbit test capability are included.

Barry, Thomas↗
NASA NTRS1989

A knowledge-based flight status monitor for real-time application in digital avionics systems

The Dryden Flight Research Facility of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ames Research Center (Ames-Dryden) is the principal NASA facility for the flight testing and evaluation of new and complex avionics systems. To aid in the interpretation of system health and status data, a knowledge-based flight status monitor was designed. The monitor was designed to use fault indicators from the onboard system which are telemetered to the ground and processed by a rule-based model of the aircraft failure management system to give timely advice and recommendations in the mission control room. One of the important constraints on the flight status monitor is the need to operate in real time, and to pursue this aspect, a joint research activity between NASA Ames-Dryden and the Royal Aerospace Establishment (RAE) on real-time knowledge-based systems was established. Under this agreement, the original LISP knowledge base for the flight status monitor was reimplemented using the intelligent knowledge-based system toolkit, MUSE, which was developed under RAE sponsorship. Details of the flight status monitor and the MUSE implementation are presented.

Duke, E. L.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Preliminary design document: Ground based testbed for avionics systems

The design and interface requirements for an avionics Ground Based Test bed (GBT) to support Heavy Lift Cargo Vehicles (HLCV) is presented. It also contains data on the vehicle subsystem configurations that are to be supported during their early, pre-PDR developmental phases. Several emerging technologies are also identified for support. A Preliminary Specification Tree is also presented.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1989

Marshall Avionics Testbed System (MAST)

Work accomplished in the summer of 1989 in association with the NASA/ASEE Summer Faculty Research Fellowship Program at Marshall Space Flight Center is summarized. The project was aimed at developing detailed specifications for the Marshall Avionics System Testbed (MAST). This activity was to include the definition of the testbed requirements and the development of specifications for a set of standard network nodes for connecting the testbed to a variety of networks. The project was also to include developing a timetable for the design, implementation, programming and testing of the testbed. Specifications of both hardware and software components for the system were to be included.

Smith, Wayne D.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Cockpit avionics integration and automation

Information on cockpit avionics integration and automation is given in viewgraph form, with a number of photographs. The benefits of cockpit integration are listed. The MD-11 flight guidance/flight deck system is illustrated.

Pischke, Keith M.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Modeling pilot interaction with automated digital avionics systems: Guidance and control algorithms for contour and nap-of-the-Earth flight

A collection of technical papers are presented that cover modeling pilot interaction with automated digital avionics systems and guidance and control algorithms for contour and nap-of-the-earth flight. The titles of the papers presented are as follows: (1) Automation effects in a multiloop manual control system; (2) A qualitative model of human interaction with complex dynamic systems; (3) Generalized predictive control of dynamic systems; (4) An application of generalized predictive control to rotorcraft terrain-following flight; (5) Self-tuning generalized predictive control applied to terrain-following flight; and (6) Precise flight path control using a predictive algorithm.

Hess, Ronald A.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Space transfer vehicle avionics advanced development needs

The assessment of preliminary transportation program options for the exploration initiative is underway. The exploration initiative for the Moon and Mars is outlined by mission phases. A typical lunar/Mars outpost technology/advanced development schedule is provided. An aggressive and focused technology development program is needed as early as possible to successfully support these new initiatives. The avionics advanced development needs, plans, laboratory facilities, and benefits from an early start are described.

Huffaker, C. F.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Payload accommodations: Avionics payload support architecture

Technology issues/trade studies; candidate programs; key contacts/facilities: milestones; accomplishments; and major objectives of the payload accommodation are outlined. Topics covered include: avionics payload support architecture; satellite serving; P/L deploy systems and advanced manipulators; advanced telemetry systems; and on-board abort planning. This presentation is represented by viewgraphs only.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1990

Digital avionics: A cornerstone of aviation

Digital avionics is continually expanding its role in communication (HF and VHF, satellite, data links), navigation (ground-based systems, inertial and satellite-based systems), and flight-by-wire control. Examples of electronic flight control system architecture, pitch, roll, and yaw control are presented. Modeling of complex hardware systems, electromagnetic interference, and software are discussed.

Spitzer, Cary R.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Fault-tolerant parallel processors for avionics with reduced maintenance

Architectural issues and approaches for implementing fault-tolerant parallel processors in avionics systems and other dedicated applications requiring high levels of dependability are discussed. For these systems it is desirable to provide both a high degree of fault tolerance and a system that can operate for extended periods of time without external maintenance. With current technology it is possible to operate dependably for months between maintenance events. The longer-term goal should be maintenance-free operation (a computer that outlasts its host system). It is argued that new high-density packaging techniques may make this type of long-life fault-tolerant design an attractive choice in controlling the life-cycle costs of the next generation of systems.

Rennels, David A.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Testing of the high accuracy inertial navigation system in the Shuttle Avionics Integration Lab

The description, results, and interpretation is presented of comparison testing between the High Accuracy Inertial Navigation System (HAINS) and KT-70 Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). The objective was to show the HAINS can replace the KT-70 IMU in the space shuttle Orbiter, both singularly and totally. This testing was performed in the Guidance, Navigation, and Control Test Station (GTS) of the Shuttle Avionics Integration Lab (SAIL). A variety of differences between the two instruments are explained. Four, 5 day test sessions were conducted varying the number and slot position of the HAINS and KT-70 IMUs. The various steps in the calibration and alignment procedure are explained. Results and their interpretation are presented. The HAINS displayed a high level of performance accuracy previously unseen with the KT-70 IMU. The most significant improvement of the performance came in the Tuned Inertial/Extended Launch Hold tests. The HAINS exceeded the 4 hr specification requirement. The results obtained from the SAIL tests were generally well beyond the requirements of the procurement specification.

Strachan, Russell L.↗
NASA NTRS1991

A fault-tolerant network architecture for integrated avionics

The Army Fault-Tolerant Architecture (AFTA) under construction at the Charles Stark Draper Laboratory is an example of a highly integrated critical avionics system. The AFTA system must connect to other redundant and nonredundant systems, as well as to input/output devices. A fault-tolerant data bus (FTDB) is being developed to provide highly reliable communication between the AFTA computer and other network stations. The FTDB is being designed for Byzantine resilience and is probably capable of tolerating any single arbitrary fault. The author describes a prototype architecture for the fault-tolerant data bus.

Butler, Bryan↗