• Space-based Concepts to Support the Tactical Weather Users

      Sheets, K. Yvonne; Bennett, Roger; SPARTA, Inc. (International Foundation for Telemetering, 1993-10)
      Recent military theater operations such as Desert Storm have underscored the need for additional support for theater users. The needs of specific user communities are varied, and it is appropriate to examine those needs and develop system concepts which can enable the tactical community to more effectively perform their mission. This paper examines the needs and requirements of the tactical weather community and how additional space-based assets could be used to increase the tactical mission effectiveness. The approach investigated is to augment the current military meteorological satellite program, DMSP, which operates in low earth orbit with a geosynchronous platform capable of data collection and dissemination within the theater. This approach has several advantages, including the ability to provide focused, long-term coverage over the theater, with real-time downlink directly to the tactical user. One of the goals of the study was to determine what combinations of sensors and communications services might be provided from a smaller satellite on the order of 1000 lbs. This study was performed to evaluate alternatives to providing the tactical military user with space-based environmental monitoring information as an augmentation to the Defense Meteorological Satellite System (DMSS). The effort was driven by the most recent requirements, the MAC SON 211-89 Tactical Weather Observing System (TWOS) and MAC SON 216-89 Tactical Forecast System (TFS). Emphasis on the study was the focus on geosynchronous augmentations to the current set of DMSS satellites, which included climatical scenarios and requirements analysis, as well as sensor technologies assessments.
    • THE FUTURE IN NETWORKING TELEMETRY SYSTEMS

      Yang, Kent; Wong, Cecelia; Loral Instrumentation (International Foundation for Telemetering, 1993-10)
      With the ever increasing need for faster data rates and the emergence of faster network interfaces such as Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), the task of adding new network interfaces to a telemetry system and supporting existing ones is becoming increasingly more complex. This complexity can be eliminated if the data acquisition hardware and software allows new network interfaces to be easily integrated into a telemetry system. It is the purpose of this paper to address the issues involved when dealing with multiple, heterogeneous, networking environments in telemetry systems. The paper will show how the use of flexible telemetry hardware and software will simplify the integration of new networks into an existing system, and how this flexibility can allow data acquisition applications to take advantage of a heterogeneous network.
    • POST-FLIGHT DATA DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

      Lloyd, Joseph W. Jr (International Foundation for Telemetering, 1993-10)
      Desktop Processors (IBM PC, PC-compatible, and Macintosh) have made a major impact on how the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD}, Patuxent River engineering community performs their work in aircraft weapons tests. The personal processors are utilized by the flight-test engineers not only for report preparation, but also for post-flight Engineering Unit (EU) data reduction and analysis. Present day requirements direct a need for improved post-flight data handling than those of the past. These requirements are driven by the need to analyze all the vehicle's parameters prior to the succeeding test flight, and to generate test reports in a more cost effective and timely manner. This paper defines the post-flight data distribution system at NAWCAD, Patuxent River, explains how these tasks were handled in the past, and the development of a real-time data storage designed approach for post-flight data handling. This engineering design is then described explaining how it sets the precedence for NAWCAD, Patuxent River's future plans; and how it provides the flight-test engineer with the test vehicle's EU data immediately available post-flight at his desktop processor.
    • A New Approach to Telemetry Data Decomposition and Analysis Based on Large-Capacity Semiconductor RAM

      Jun, Zhang; Qishan, Zhang; Zhihui, Zhang; Jian, Huang; Beijing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics (International Foundation for Telemetering, 1993-10)
      With the development of microelectronics and computer technology, telemetry computer systems are demanded to provide larger storage capacity and higher storage data rate than ever before. This paper fully considers various factors of a high-speed PCM fiber-optic telemetry system such as data format, data rate, data storage, the width of data storage, storage data rate. All these considerations lead to a new scheme with a semiconductor RAM and a dedicated program as its basic idea. This scheme chooses 1Mbits or 4Mbits static-RAM chips to implement the telemetry data storage device with a total capacity of 4Mbytes, 16Mbytes, or 64Mbytes. The software running on COMPAQ 386/25M or its compatibles is written in Turbo C 2. 0 to fetch, decompose, display and process data stored in the large-capacity RAM. The main task of the system processing software is to identify the flag words of frame sync-code -pattern and then demultiplex the data into separate channel data to be stored in the disk. Besides the ability to recognize specific data format, the software can also rectify data confusion to some extent. The scheme has already been proved to be efficient to receive large capacity of data with features of high data rate, high data storage in a short time.
    • DIGITAL VOICE DECODER

      Myers, Robert; Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (International Foundation for Telemetering, 1993-10)
      In the world of Real-Time Telemetry, a vital element is voice communications. Aircraft "hotmike" provides a continuous one way link from the aircraft to the Data Center, thereby allowing the flight test personnel to monitor all cockpit audio. Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) containing digitized hotmike is one method used to transmit voice. This paper details a device that extracts digitized voice words from a PCM stream and then converts this data to its original analog form.
    • A SYSTEMATIC METHOD FOR SYNTHESIS OF OBJECT ORIENTED SOFTWARE DESIGNS FOR TELEMETRY SIMULATION

      White, Joey; Policella, Joseph; CAE-Link Corporation (International Foundation for Telemetering, 1993-10)
      A tremendous amount of work has been done recently in the area of Object Oriented Design (OOD) methodology. Most often, texts and papers explaining these methodologies are centered around the explanation of some arcane graphical notation. One is led to believe that the key to understanding Object Orientedness in general will be found by understanding and applying this notation. An understanding of the essence of OOD is difficult to acquire in this manner due to the disproportionate amount of energy required to memorize the graphic symbology. The prospective designer is often left with an understanding of the symbols, but with no understanding of how to apply them to a real world large scale problem. This paper provides an explanation of the Object Oriented paradigm with an example application to telemetry measurements. Next this paper provides an explanation of the most popular graphic notation for Object Oriented Design, the Booch Notation. Finally, this paper shows an alternative graphic notation that can be effectively used in Object Oriented Design during the initial stages of design to help eliminate the learning curve associated with the more popular Object Oriented notations.
    • Analysis of Frequency Stabilization and Modulation of Airborne Telemetry Transmitter

      Xizhou, Zhang; Jun, Yao; Xinan Electronic Engineering Institute (International Foundation for Telemetering, 1993-10)
      This paper analyzes the feature of frequency stability and modulation of airborne telemetry transmitters. According to the characteristic of telemetry information transmission, several methods for frequency stabilization and modulation are briefly compared. Emphasis is given to discuss frequency dividing phase- locked frequency modulation and on-off keying modulation and FM/on- off keying double modulation. With the view of raising frequency stability and modulation sensibility, extending the linear range of modulation, the contradiction between frequency stabilization and modulation should be coordinated properly. In addition, a compatible method between conventional telemetry channel and super fast signal telemetry channel is introduced. A satisfactory result has been acquired with those views and methods used in engineering application.
    • TELEMETRY NETWORKING USING ATM TECHNOLOGY

      Waggener, W. N.; Kelley, J.; Loral Data Systems (International Foundation for Telemetering, 1993-10)
      The 1990's has been an era of integrating telemetry systems into networks. With the networking of telemetry systems, communications between systems is increasingly important. The telemetry system is no longer an isolated subsystem and the requirement for ubiquitous, distribution of telemetry data is also increasing. With declining DoD budgets, the cost of providing, not only, range-wide data distribution, but also, inter-range distribution is a major issue. Recent developments in commercial telecommunication data services may provide an answer to the range communications problems. In this paper, the use of Asynchronous transfer Mode (ATM) technology is examined as a means for transporting telemetry and other range data.
    • TELEMETRY SYSTEMS TRAINING PROGRAMS: THE KEY TO SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION AND OPERATION

      Jaunbral, Janis; Computer Sciences Corporation (International Foundation for Telemetering, 1993-10)
      In today's world, the importance of training for telemetry systems continues to grow as new technologies provide users with ever-increasing capabilities. Successful training programs ensure telemetry systems quickly become operational yielding the acquisition of critical test data. Over the years, training programs have been greatly impacted by the changes in defense contracts -- specifically funding. Today's aggressive telemetry market requires contractors to develop complex telemetry systems within the constraints of Firm Fixed price (FFP) contracts and within very short schedules. As a result of these conditions, training programs have changed significantly over the last ten years. Projects which used to have dedicated training personnel (instructors, technical writers, etc.) now rely on the system developers to provide the training. In actuality, the quality of training has improved with this new approach. Now students benefit from having the most knowledgeable personnel teach them about the system and, often times, latent problems with the system are efficiently identified and corrected. This paper will summarize the evolution of training programs for telemetry systems developed by Computer Sciences Corporation. The benefits of a scenario where the system architects train the end users with the use of increased "hands-on" training will be explored.
    • SPACEBOURNE VME BASED PCM ENCODER (VPE)

      Rodriguez, Harry; Edwards Air Force Base (International Foundation for Telemetering, 1993-10)
      The VME bus is used in a wide variety of airborne applications. The particular application of the VPE is for use in the MSTI satellite to provide spacecraft telemetry. The VME based PCM encoder can provide telemetry from any stand alone data acquisition system. This paper describes the VME based PCM encoder. Since this design is ruggedized to meet the launch and environmental requirements for space, it can be used in any airborne VME system.
    • THE TIME DIVISION MULTIPLEX MEASURING SYSTEM FOR SINGLE-TRANSIENT SIGNALS

      Wanfang, Zhang; Beijing Crown Cable TV Technical Corp. (International Foundation for Telemetering, 1993-10)
      In order to reduce the measuring channels for the single-transient signals, the author propose the time division multiplex technique and introduce the method of SAW delay line in this paper. That used method of SAW tap-delay line in this system is different from previous methods consists in making traditional method, which is one-path signal input different delayed multi- path signals output, alter new method, which is simultaneous multi-path signal inputs that are respectively delayed and one-path signal serial output.
    • AN OBJECT-ORIENTED COMMAND AND TELEMETRY "BLACK BOX" SIMULATION USING ADA

      Policella, Joseph; White, Joey; Shillington, Keith; CAE-Link Corporation; Fastrak Training Inc. (International Foundation for Telemetering, 1993-10)
      To model the "black boxes" in a command and telemetry simulation, it is important to preserve the abstraction of a one-to-one match between the real-world interfaces and the simulated interfaces. Everywhere a physical interface exists on the box, there needs to be a simulated interface. Preserving this abstraction allows the model to evolve more naturally with real-world design changes. In most command and telemetry systems, many different types of commands and telemetry can be sent over a single interface. This creates a problem in preserving the interface abstraction if the Ada language is used for implementation. Due to the fact that Ada is a "strongly typed" language, a different or overloaded operation needs to exist for each type of command or telemetry. However, by using a "discriminated variant record" to represent the commands and telemetry streams, a single operation can be used in the Ada specification. This not only preserves the abstraction but makes the software more maintainable by allowing the data list to change during the design of the "black box" without changing the Ada specification. As a result, "loose coupling" is achieved, a common set of commands and telemetry formats can be "inherited" to promote reuse, and overall system development and maintenance costs are reduced.
    • A Rugged, Low-Cost, Advanced Data-Acquisition System for Field Test Projects

      Simms, D. A.; Cousineau, K. L.; National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL); Zond Systems, Inc. (International Foundation for Telemetering, 1993-10)
      The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has teamed up with Zond Systems, Inc., to provide a rugged, low-cost, advanced data-acquisition system (ADAS) for use in field test projects. The ADAS simplifies the process of making accurate measurements on mechanical equipment exposed to harsh environments. It provides synchronized, time-series measurement data from multiple, independent sources. The ADAS is currently being used to acquire data from large wind turbines in operational wind-plant environments. ADAS modules are mounted on rotating blades, turbine towers, nacelles, control modules, meteorological towers, and electrical stations. The ADAS has the potential to meet the testing and monitoring needs of many other technologies as well, including vehicles, heavy equipment, piping and power transmission networks, and building energy systems.
    • TRADAT VI Telemetry Ranging System

      Bertenshaw, Thomas G.; Oklahoma State University (International Foundation for Telemetering, 1993-10)
      Frequently a requirement exists to track sounding rockets or balloons from remote locations which have no radar capability. Occasionally, there is also a requirement to provide an alternative to radar tracking at those locations where it exists. TRADAT VI satisfies both requirements by providing vehicle positional from telemetry. In addition, it also provides real-time trajectory plots by its graphical display.
    • UNIX-Compatible Real-Time Environment for NASA's Ground Telemetry Data Systems

      Horner, Ward; Kozlowski, Charles; Data Systems Technology Division; RMS Technologies, Inc.; NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center (International Foundation for Telemetering, 1993-10)
      NASA's ground telemetry data systems developed by the Microelectronics Systems Branch at the Goddard Space Flight Center, use a generic but expandable architecture known as the "Functional Components Approach." This approach is based on the industry standard VMEbus and makes use of multiple commercial and custom VLSI hardware based cards to provide standard off-the-shelf telemetry processing functions (e.g., frame synchronization, packet processing, etc.) for many telemetry data handling applications. To maintain maximum flexibility and performance of these systems, a special real-time system environment has been developed, the Modular Environment for Data Systems (MEDS). Currently, MEDS comprises over 300,000 lines of tested and operational code based on a non-UNIX real-time commercial operating system. To provide for increased functionality and adherence to industry standards, this software is being transformed to run under a UNIX-compatible real-time environment. This effort must allow for existing systems and interfaces and provide exact duplicates of the system functions now used in the current real-time environment. Various techniques will be used to provide a relatively quick transition to this new real-time operating system environment. Additionally, all standard MEDS card to card and system to system interfaces will be preserved, providing for a smooth transition and allowing for telemetry processing cards that have not yet been converted to reside side-by-side with cards that have been converted. This paper describes this conversion effort.
    • Delivery of Very High Bandwidth with ATM Switches and SONET

      Gossage, Steven A. (International Foundation for Telemetering, 1993-10)
      To deliver high bandwidth, a ubiquitous inter-/intra-building cable plant consisting of single mode and multimode fiber as well as twisted pair copper is required. The selection of the "glue" to transport and interconnect distributed LANs with central facility resources over a pervasive cable plant is the focus of this paper. A description of the traditional problems that must be overcome to provide very high bandwidth beyond the narrow confines of a computer center is given. The applicability of Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) switching (interconnection) and Synchronous Optical NETwork (SONET) (transport) for high bandwidth delivery is described using the environment and requirements of Sandia National Laboratories. Other methods for distributing high data rates are compared and contrasted. Sandia is implementing a standards based foundation utilizing a pervasive single mode fiber cable plant, SONET transport, and ATM switching to meet the goals of gigabit networking.
    • The History of Telemetry at White Sands Missile Range, NM

      Montano, William G.; Newton, Henry L.; White Sands Missile Range (International Foundation for Telemetering, 1993-10)
      This paper presents a history of telemetry at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. White Sands Missile Range is located in the Tularosa Basin between the San Andres and the Organ Mountains on the west and the Sacramento Mountains on the east. Designation of more than one million acres of New Mexico range land as a testing areas established White Sands Proving Ground on July 9, 1945 as the Birthplace of Americas Missile and Space activity. On July 16, 1945 the first Atomic Bomb was exploded at Trinity Site. Project Hermes began in November of 1944 with a contract to General Electric by the Ordnance Department to develop a long range guided missile for the Army. Missile testing began in September of 1945 with the firing of Tiny Tim missiles. The capture of German V2 rockets led to testing and firing V2s concurrently with the Hermes. The first two-stage rocket consisted of a WAC Corporal mounted on the nose of a V2. Bumper # 5 set flight records of 5,150 miles an hour and an altitude of 244 miles on February 24, 1949. The paper includes: *Chronological highlights of telemetering events. *Discussion of telemetry systems and events that occurred at WSPG/WSMR from 1944 through 1990. *Telemetry systems and events from 1990 to the present. *Planned future telemetry systems and probable future systems.
    • Reusable Software Components for Monitoring and Control of Telemetry Processing Systems

      Costenbader, Jay; Thorn, Karen; NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center (International Foundation for Telemetering, 1993-10)
      NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has developed a set of functional telemetry processing components based upon Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) and Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC). These components provide a framework for the assembly of telemetry data ground systems for space projects such as the Earth Observing System (EOS) and the Small Explorer (SMEX) mission series. Implementation of the ground systems for such projects using a common set of functional components has obvious cost benefits in both systems development and maintenance. Given the existence of these components, the next logical step is to utilize a similar approach and create a set of reusable software components for the implementation of telemetry data system monitoring and control functions. This paper describes a generalized set of software components, called the Telemetry Processing Control Environment (TPCE), which has been developed to fulfil this need. This combination of hardware and software components enables the rapid development of flexible, cost-effective telemetry processing systems capable of meeting the performance requirements facing NASA in the coming decade.
    • Windows at a Tracking Site

      Streich, Ronald G.; Townsend, Charles R.; Computer Sciences Corporation (International Foundation for Telemetering, 1993-10)
      Rapid setup and verification of 4 automatic tracking antennas, 2 radio frequency switch matrixes, 32 telemetry receivers with 16 diversity combiners, an intermediate frequency switch matrix and the signal distribution equipment interface to the analog and digital fiber optic relay systems was required. This paper provides sample displays of the station status window, telemetry receiver and test parameter dialog boxes, mission event log window and test result windows for bit error rate, noise power ratio, solar calibration and antenna servo tests. Use of the software is apparent from sample displays so the text concentrates on lessons learned from site surveys, verification of configuration against mission files, accommodation of change of plug-in modules (e.g., IF filters in the telemetry receiver), tolerance of equipment removed from the system for maintenance, built-in test of serial and parallel communications and modular software design for replacement of equipment.
    • Space Qualified Magnetic Disk

      Treff, Arthur J.; Forella, John F.; Raymond Engineering, Inc. (International Foundation for Telemetering, 1993-10)
      Highly reliable data storage for satellites and spacecraft is a challenging technology. The space environment is a unique combination of many environmental factors which impact the reliability and even the very survival of electronic systems. The need for space qualified memory is becoming even more important with the advent of on-board data processing which requires rapid access to large data bases. This paper describes the unique environmental and design considerations that must be taken into account for a magnetic disk that is designed to operate for years in the space environment.