Data Separation Console
ARIA's new data
separation console (DSC) is a dual redundant PC based (running NT 4.0) system capable of
processing, for display and retransmission, multiple 10 Mbps channels. The onboard
Ethernet network also allows for integration of other control and display systems,
throughout the aircraft, with the new DSC.
Pre- and post-detection processing of the received signals
is accomplished in the data separation subsystem. This subsystem is specifically designed
to process frequency modulation (FM), pulse-code modulation / bi-phase shift key
(PCM/BPSK), PCM/FM, and/or PCM video signals for recording, real-time retransmission,
and/or real-time strip out for analysis and mark event reporting.
PCM Decommutator
Two PCM decommutators can be used in PCM data processing
or checkout. The decommutator performs the following functions:
- Frame synchronization, including word-length and
frame-length selection
- 33-bit parallel-binary multiplex output
- Programmable 10-bit parallel-binary display
- Analog-display meter
- 10-bit digital-to-analog conversion
- Recycle subframe synchronization, including subframe-length
selection
- Identification-type subframe synchronization, including
subframe-length selection
- Binary to binary coded decimal conversion
- Three-digit decimal display
Bit Synchronizer
The data separation system contains two bit synchronizers,
either EMR 720 or Aydin Monitor 335A. Special configurations add additional bit syncs. The
bit synchronizer accepts serial PCM data in the presence of noise and other perturbations
and generates reconstructed coherent PCM data and timing signals.
Analog Display
The analog display utilizes parallel data from the
decommutator to provide the operator with visual analog readouts of two selected events,
using 8-bit digital to analog converters. It also provides two corresponding rear panel
analog outputs to interface with a visicorder.
Modular
Interface Unit (MIU)
The MIU is a microprocessor controlled interface which
coordinates and controls inputs from and outputs to the processor, INS, decommutators 1
and 2, thermal printer, and tabletop terminal. It is hard wired to accept a particular
group of modular circuit boards, but also serves as a platform for special mission related
circuits. The interior of the MIU is divided into 18 modular increments, each capable of
holding one 4.2 x 5.0-inch circuit board. Due to this modular design, functional
capabilities can easily be added or deleted as mission requirements change. (For special
functions implemented by the MIU, see Appendix E.) Capabilities of the MIU also include
IRIG time input and limited data processing capabilities to augment the telemetry data
processor (TDP). The MIU can process mark event data from either digital or analog data
streams and provide a hard copy of time-of-occurrence.
Processor
The processor is a militarized, airborne use computer
which uses a 16-bit, bit-slice implementation Micro Module CPU with programmable real-time
clock, floating point, and memory allocation and protection. The operating system supports
high level languages such as Ada, FORTRAN, and CMS-2; however, all software is presently
written in assembly language as stand-alone programs to maximize throughput. The ground
system which is used for software development is set up to interface to a Cypher magnetic
tape, a Centronix parallel printer, and two 8-inch floppy disk drives.
Disk Drive
The disk drive is an 8-inch floppy type built into the
processor chassis. Its primary purpose is to program the processor unit.
Thermal Printer
The printer is a high-speed device which prints graphic
and alphanumeric characters on 4.25-inch wide roll paper. Its main function is to print a
hard copy of selected data parameters from the processor or TDP, such as missile position
and range.
FM
Subcarrier Discriminator Assembly
The FM discriminator assembly is a bank of 18 individual
discriminator modules which can be configured as any combination of available IRIG
proportional bandwidth subcarrier channels. Its purpose is to extract subcarrier channels
from an FM multiplex and detect any data on these channels. Signals may be routed to each
discriminator individually or to all simultaneously.
VCO/Mixer Assembly
The voltage controlled oscillator (VCO)/mixer assembly is
a bank of modules consisting of seven dual channel VCO's, a calibrator, and three summing
amplifiers. Its purpose is to modulate low frequency data onto FM subcarriers to create a
multiplex for recording or retransmission.
Dual Channel
Variable Filter
The variable filter is a unit containing two independent
solid state active filters which can operate in either low-pass or high-pass modes. By
connecting the filters in series or parallel, the unit can function as a low- or high-pass
filter with a sharp rolloff, or a bandpass or band-stop filter.
Visicorder
The visicorder provides visual traces of input data on
moving photosensitive paper through the use of a fiber optic cathode ray tube. The
visicorder can be used to physically evaluate or time correlate analog phenomena in a data
stream.
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