Reconfigurable avionics test platform - Avionics Test Bench and Avionics Test Studio

Citation

(2008), "Reconfigurable avionics test platform - Avionics Test Bench and Avionics Test Studio", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 80 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2008.12780ead.003

Reconfigurable avionics test platform - Avionics Test Bench and Avionics Test Studio

Article Type: Equipment and software From: Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology: An International Journal, Volume 80, Issue 5

Aeroflex has announced the introduction of Avionics Test Bench and Avionics Test Studio, the first reconfigurable PXI-based test platform for avionics navigation and communications. Unlike stand-alone bench instruments, Aeroflex’s new avionics test system addresses test compatibility by leveraging PXI’s common platform and flexibility.

Recently, the avionics industry is plagued by No Fault Found (NFF) problems - this occurs when a unit fails on an aircraft but passes all tests in the repair shop. NFF troubleshooting difficulty is compounded by incompatible test system results, where different testers are used during production testing and service. By developing a common avionics test platform, Aeroflex believes that it brings much-needed compatibility to the entire product lifespan, including design, production testing and maintenance of avionics navigation and communications systems.

“Avionics design, manufacturing and maintenance engineers need a test platform that can be easily adapted and reused in new programs. A typical nav/comm unit must be maintained for decades. By using Avionics Test Bench and Avionics Test Studio, customers are said to be able to leverage PXI’s compatibility across all phases of the product’s life. Compatible test results and a flexible test system can significantly improve troubleshooting efficiency. Compatibility also reduces NFF incidences for nav/comm systems, saving time and money in the process,” John Ardussi, Director of Business Development, Aeroflex Test Solutions.

Utilising the Aeroflex 3000 Series PXI modules, Avionics Test Studio encompasses a suite of software-defined instruments that perform avionics signal generation from 100 kHz up to 6 GHz. Avionics Test Studio software tools generate and test traditional nav/comm signals, including the latest airborne data link protocols such as VHF data link Modes 2 and 3. Also in development is a signal analysis package covering the same avionics test functions.

Avionics Test Studio can be used for product development, prototype development, certification, factory test, troubleshooting and repair, as either a bench-top instrument or within an ATE environment. All standard signals are offered, including ADF, ILS, VOR, VHF comm, Marker Beacon, Selcal, DME, LRA and VDB. Owing to the flexibility of PXI, waveforms can be tailored to meet particular customer needs. All signal parameters can be controlled from the graphical user interface (GUI) as software-defined instruments, or as DLL calls in an ATE system.

Avionics test bench

Avionics Test Bench is said to be a complete turnkey test system that replaces several discrete instruments. It is reported to be the first configurable avionics test system to offer both signal generation and analysis in a single PXI chassis. Avionics Test Bench is available in two configurations. The basic configuration, ATB-3000, includes an Aeroflex touch-screen PXI chassis with built-in controller and an Aeroflex 3025C RF signal generator and synthesizer module. The standalone configuration includes Avionics Test Studio signal generator software. Optional configurations are available for ATE rack mounting or an external monitor and controller. Since it is PXI-based, customers can expand the basic system with other special-purpose cards and functionality.

Details available from: Aeroflex Test Solutions, Instruments Division, Tel: +44 (0)1438 772084, Fax:+44 (0)1438 727601, e-mail: rachel.atack@aeroflex.com