Showing papers on "System integration published in 1980"

Integrated computer-aided design using minicomputers

Abstract: Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM), a highly interactive software, has been implemented on minicomputers at the NASA Langley Research Center. CAD/CAM software integrates many formerly fragmented programs and procedures into one cohesive system; it also includes finite element modeling and analysis, and has been interfaced via a computer network to a relational data base management system and offline plotting devices on mainframe computers. The CAD/CAM software system requires interactive graphics terminals operating at a minimum of 4800 bits/sec transfer rate to a computer. The system is portable and introduces 'interactive graphics', which permits the creation and modification of models interactively. The CAD/CAM system has already produced designs for a large area space platform, a national transonic facility fan blade, and a laminar flow control wind tunnel model. Besides the design/drafting element analysis capability, CAD/CAM provides options to produce an automatic program tooling code to drive a numerically controlled (N/C) machine. Reductions in time for design, engineering, drawing, finite element modeling, and N/C machining will benefit productivity through reduced costs, fewer errors, and a wider range of configuration.

Interconnection design and resource assignment for large multi-microcomputer systems

Abstract: Computer Systems constructed by interconnecting a large number of microcomputers can offer substantial gains in performance, modularity, and robustness over conventional centralized systems. This dissertation addresses two issues in the design of large multi-microcomputer systems: how to design an interconnection structure in order to support interprocessor communication, and how to assign system resource, in order to make a large number of microcomputers function together as a single integrated system. A cluster structure is proposed as a conceptual scheme for interconnecting a large number of microcomputers. It is characterized by a set of structure parameters and a set of interconnection functions. Therefore, by specifying values for structure parameters and interconnection functions, one can specify a desired interconnection structure. Performance analysis has been a key process in interconnection design. This dissertation proposes an analytical model to analyze message delay and traffic congestion problems. Different from others, this analysis considers the detailed interaction among system nodes. It shows the effect of structural topology on bus load and message delay. Through the use of the cluster structure and the analytical model, this dissertation demonstrates how one can find an optimal structural topology so that more microcomputers can be interconnected and/or more message traffic can be supported without suffering serious system degradation. Case studies are presented to show how topological optimization can be done, subject to design constraints arising from system applications. Minimum cost assignment of system resources is motivated by the desire to minimize system overhead, and is a key to the success for system integration. This dissertation describes how an efficient solution to the resource assignment problem can be obtained from using network flow algorithms. It describes how one can first partition a given module graph, representing software resources, and then map subsets of software resources to subsets of system nodes. Performance studies are also presented to show that, if a given graph is tree-like, our partition algorithm yields an optimal solution; otherwise, our partition algorithm yields a solution with near minimum cost. This dissertation also discusses the effect of the resource assignment solution on system interconnection and system integration. It outlines an approach to applying the resource assignment solution to enhance system integration such as in control and scheduling problems.

C3 systems land‐based testing

Abstract: The increasingly important role of land-based test sites (LBTSs) in military command, control, and communications (C3) is discussed, with particular reference to system integration, R&D, and testing. The LBTS at the Naval Ocean Systems Center (NOSC), San Diego, is described in detail, and lessons learned from the operation of the and other LBTSe are considered in terms of both their tactical and strategic implications.

Turnkey CAD/CAM systems' integration with IPAD systems

Abstract: Today's commercially available turnkey CAD/CAM systems provide a highly interactive environment, and support many specialized application functions for the design/drafting/manufacturing process. This paper presents an overview of several aerospace companies which have successfully integrated turnkey CAD/CAM systems with their own company wide engineering and manufacturing systems. It also includes a vendor's view of the benefits as well as the disadvantages of such integration efforts. Specific emphasis is placed upon the selection of standards for representing geometric engineering data and for communicating such information between different CAD/CAM systems.

The Role Of Simulation In Top Down Distributed Signal Processor Design

Abstract: Military radar systems require complex and adaptive signal processing to achieve optimum performance. In addition to this performance requirement is the need for high system reliability. A signal processing architecture that is modular and programmable has been a critical requirement for many years. The approach used to meet this requirement necessitates the use of identical VLSI/VHSIC components. The task of evaluating a design is normally accomplished by breadboarding. However, this can not be done until the IC's have been developed. An obvious alternative is to simulate the system at the register-transfer and or gate level. This method has been used in the past but is limited to system fragments due to the excessive storage and CPU time required. In order to validate advanced radar signal processor hardware, software, and firmware, a digital simulation tool has been developed which allows the system designer to evaluate alternatives with minimum effort, storage, and execution time. The top-down design procedure is utilized to guide the user from system requirements to final system design.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

The Build System - Integration and management of large software avionic systems

Abstract: The Build System comprises the software tools and procedures creating the flight memory load for the Space Shuttle Backup Flight System. The system has six functions: (1) configuration management, which insures that the memory load contains the proper modules, all clearly marked; (2) source translation, which translates the source code into a relocatable machine code; (3) module integration, which combines and assigns memory locations to all the object modules produced in source translation; (4) static code analysis, which verifies the integration process; (5) deliverables generation, which yields release documentation and deliverable items; and (6) release maintenance, which controls all system patches subsequent to release. Further developments will include more automation in the producing of patches from source-code updates and system requirements for tracking.

Data transport concepts for future NASA spacecraft

Abstract: The anticipated increase in data quantity from NASA spacecraft over the next decade is expected to far exceed the capability of the present NASA data/information system to effectively manage and process that data. Conceptual designs aimed at providing more responsive and cost-effective methods for transporting and interpreting space-generated data are presented. Details of the Modular Data Transport System (MDTS) and Ancillary Data and Support Computing (ADSC) efforts done under the NASA End-to-End Data System (NEEDS) program are discussed. The common 'thread' throughout the data transport process involves the use of packet telemetry. Characteristics and benefits of packet telemetry are presented along with a discussion of techniques for generating and advantages of including ancillary data in each packet.

Conceptual design study for an advanced cab and visual system, volume 1

Abstract: A conceptual design study was conducted to define requirements for an advanced cab and visual system. The rotorcraft system integration simulator is for engineering studies in the area of mission associated vehicle handling qualities. Principally a technology survey and assessment of existing and proposed simulator visual display systems, image generation systems, modular cab designs, and simulator control station designs were performed and are discussed. State of the art survey data were used to synthesize a set of preliminary visual display system concepts of which five candidate display configurations were selected for further evaluation. Basic display concepts incorporated in these configurations included: real image projection, using either periscopes, fiber optic bundles, or scanned laser optics; and virtual imaging with helmet mounted displays. These display concepts were integrated in the study with a simulator cab concept employing a modular base for aircraft controls, crew seating, and instrumentation (or other) displays. A simple concept to induce vibration in the various modules was developed and is described. Results of evaluations and trade offs related to the candidate system concepts are given, along with a suggested weighting scheme for numerically comparing visual system performance characteristics.