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