Built-in-Test plays a key role in system integrity
By
Duncan Young
Often perceived as just a tick in the box during the selection process, Built-in-Test (BIT) is an invaluable component of modular, embedded systems that are used for critical applications such as avionics mission systems, sensors, and weapons. BIT provides a level of confidence in the correct operation of each module at both power-up and during normal operation. As more of these critical embedded systems are assembled from off-the-shelf hardware and software components, it is increasingly important to evaluate BIT’s performance and its potential for interaction with software such as RTOS.
Rigorous component-level obsolescence management is becoming a priority in light of maintenance infrastructure reductions, operational maintenance changes, and shifting equipment life expectations.
While Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) is prevalent in the telecom and enterprise industries, rugged military subsystems are typically not easily accessible to maintainers. Thus, a new standardized management strategy should be developed that supports multiple COTS vendors' wares.
It's not always only the technology that makes a company. Sometimes differentiation and value-add services provide large COTS suppliers the competitive edge.
Amidst battlefield threats of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), mines, and enemy fire is one that might not be as well known: brownouts and whiteouts that obscure pilots' vision in helicopter landing zones. A modified LiDAR system, however, is providing a preventive remedy utilizing 3D imaging.
The case study, conducted at U.S. Army Benét Laboratories, illustrates the use of Design of Experiments (DOEs) in a computer-simulated muzzle brake design process.
Can COTS be a double-edged sword? While today’s soldiers expect PS 3-like functionality in their weapons user interfaces, author Rob Kraft argues that 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10 GbE) commercial technology should only be cautiously applied to military systems.
Java’s promise of “Write once, run anywhere” has taken a long time to come to fruition. But will the mission- and safety-critical markets of defense, aerospace, and military ever be ready for Java? Author Kelvin Nilsen, a recognized Java industry pioneer, argues that even in defense – Java is really ready for deployment. Our own market data confirms this to be the case.
Radar and sonar systems are hugely complex animals. They don’t just rely on garden-variety single board computers; they need sensor processor front ends, intermediate signal converters, legacy military interfaces, graphics processors, and other functions. Rob Hoyecki cautions that because of the complexities involved, it’s advisable to stick with a single systems integrator to pull all these bits together.
The reality of using COTS in large, deployed weapons programs is that “COTS” really stands for “Custom Off-the-Shelf.” COTS industry pioneer Peter Cavill, formerly of Plessey Microsystems, Radstone, and now GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms (and all with the same employee number!), argues that custom variants supported by large vendors such as GE are really the norm in today’s programs.
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