Moog FCS, which is part of Moog's Industrial Group, is introducing a combination of communication interfaces based on real-time Ethernet. Using advanced and proven technology, the servo controllers are said to increase the functionality and boost the performance of aerospace testing systems.
They now provide fast graphics, accurate synchronisation of up to 500 control channels, reduced latency time and complete management of safety procedures to eliminate any risk to the specimen under test.
Although real-time Ethernet is now a common and proven technology, many experts believe it is not suited to critical applications such as aerospace testing.
However, Moog FCS has developed a real-time Ethernet interface that provides the test system with a high bandwidth and an unprecedented level of safety, particularly for high-performance aircraft, helicopter, and spacecraft testing. The test specimen can be protected against single-point failures as well as dormant failures of any part of the control system. No single component should fail without being detected. According to Moog FCS, other systems using fibre optics or legacy technologies cannot provide the same level of safety based on a system architecture supported by real-time Ethernet.
Pim van den Dijssel, the market manager for test systems at Moog FCS, comments: "This is a great opportunity for us to demonstrate our expertise in applying newly available technology in a way that matches the needs of our aerospace testing market customers. Certain tests, such as iron bird, are deployed over a very long time span. We need to ensure that platform upgrades can take place transparently on running legacy systems so our customers can continue their tests while benefiting from latest technology developments."
The real-time Ethernet hardware platform represents an efficient means of optimising test performance for Moog's customers running: aircraft structural tests, iron bird tests, landing gear, helicopter airframe, rotor head and blade tests, engine casing tests, fin actuation loading tests, hydraulic system tests, load calibration tests and spacecraft structural integrity. The new hardware architecture uses two different types of Ethernet interfaces. The recently launched Ethernet interface enables real-time data transfer between the command generator (Real Time Front End) and the localised control loops managed by the SmarTEST digital servo controller. The new real-time Ethernet interface uses specific and dedicated protocol software for data transfer. This plays a key role in providing customers with reduced latency while running tests. For example, the quad-core industrial PC processor technology combined with the new Ethernet interface allows the reliable control of 256 control channels with a command resolution of 200Hz and a latency of 5ms for large iron bird test systems with up to 640 look-up tables and calculation channels.
A second type of Ethernet interface is used for transfer of load cell, position and spectrum data from the load control system to the data acquisition system. A similar Ethernet interface can also be activated to produce snapshots, archives or analysis from the servo controller based on data from the data acquisition system.
Pim van den Dijssel says: "As a company we are committed to helping our customers achieve optimal testing performance, continuous innovation and development in response to evolving challenges. These are key to ensuring continued success. We are delighted to mention that initial customer feedback has been extremely positive and customer expectations have been fully met."
For more information, visit www.moog.com/industrial
