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Architectures for Implementing a Hardware-in-the-Loop System

Safety, availability, or cost considerations can make it impractical to perform all the necessary tests with the complete embedded control system. Using hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation, you can simulate the parts of the system that pose these challenges. By thoroughly testing the embedded control device in a virtual environment before proceeding to real-world tests of the complete system, you can maintain reliability and time-to-market requirements in a cost-effective manner even as the systems you are testing become more complex. Download this whitepaper to find out more about implement a HIL system into your test environment.

Posted in: White Papers, Automotive, Electronics & Computers, Test & Measurement

In-Situ Load System for Calibrating and Validating Aerodynamic Properties of Scaled Aircraft in Ground-Based Aerospace Testing Applications

ILS improves testing accuracy, repeatability, time in tunnel, and many aspects of the calibration process.

The in-situ load system (ILS) provides the ground-testing community with a comprehensive tool that permits system-level calibration and validation of force measurement systems in a test-like environment. It was developed to improve testing accuracy, repeatability, time in tunnel, and many aspects of the calibration process. The key innovations are that ILS enables a system calibration (rather than independent subsystem and component calibrations) by using the one-force-vector calibration approach and a statistically defensible estimate total force measurement uncertainty. ILS may be applied in any wind tunnel facility, private or government.

Posted in: Briefs, Aerospace, Test & Measurement, Calibration, Test equipment and instrumentation, Wind tunnel tests, Aerodynamics

Photo-Acoustic Chemical Detector

This technology could be used for the detection of explosives and hazardous or toxic chemicals.

NASA's Langley Research Center has developed a photo-acoustic sensing-based laser vibrometer for the measurement of ambient chemical species. The technology allows for detection of sub-part-per-billion (ppb) levels of ambient trace gases and chemical species, with an order of magnitude more sensitivity than similar technologies. Among other applications, the technology could be used for the detection of explosives and hazardous or toxic chemicals.

Posted in: Briefs, Sensors, Instrumentation, Test & Measurement, Lasers, Chemicals, Vibration, Hazardous materials, Test equipment and instrumentation

Fabrication of Freeform Optics

Freeform surfaces on optical components have become an important design tool for optical designers. Non-rotationally symmetric optical surfaces have made solving complex optical problems easier. The manufacturing and testing of these surfaces has been the technical hurdle in freeform optic’s wide-spread use. Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) optics manufacturing technology has made the fabrication of optical components more deterministic and streamlined for traditional optics and aspheres. Optimax has developed a robust freeform optical fabrication CNC process that includes generation, high speed VIBE polishing, sub-aperture figure correction, surface smoothing and testing of freeform surfaces. Metrology of freeform surface is currently achieved with coordinate measurement machines (CMM) for lower resolution and interferometry with computer generated holograms (CGH) for high resolution irregularity measurements.

Posted in: White Papers, Imaging, Optics, Photonics, Test & Measurement

Product of the Month: April 2017

Astronics Test Systems, Irvine, CA, has introduced the PXIe-1802 arbitrary waveform generator and the PXIe-1803 digitizer that provide test capabilities and measurement accuracy in a compact PXI form factor for aerospace, defense, communications, and other high-reliability applications. The arbitrary waveform generator offers both speed and performance for output frequencies of up to 125 MHz. With built-in waveforms, high signal quality, and high density and modularity, the instrument delivers dual 14/16-bit waveform generator channels, bandwidths of 90-140 MHz, synchronization, and 250 μV measurement accuracy. The 130/180 MS/s dual-channel digitizer provides speed and performance for input frequencies up to 175 MHz. The dual-channel 14/16-bit digitizer is configurable as separate or fully synchronized channels. Other features include waveform bandwidths of 65-175 MHz (typical), 64M of waveform memory per channel, and relative accuracy of up to 0.006%.

Posted in: Products, Measuring Instruments, Monitoring, Test & Measurement

Six Axes of Calibration

In a system or on a lab bench, proper instrument calibration reduces the chances of false test results. Not all calibrations are equal, and six key factors affect quality, usefulness and cost. In Six Axes of Calibration, we highlight the importance and value of each factor. Download application note.

Posted in: White Papers, RF & Microwave Electronics, Instrumentation, Test & Measurement