Novel Data Acquisition and controls System (DACS) Demonstration Project

The combined data acquisition and controls architecture is eliminating the need of the widely popular programmable logic control (PLCs). The system uses either Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) or PCI eXtension for Instrumentation (PXI) buffered controls cards for analog and digital outputs (ADO) in a chassis with a General Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB) interface. The GPIB will connect to a commercially available off the shelf ADO. The control cards will output a timing sequence similar to that of a PLC (similar voltage and current levels) however the sequence data will be preloaded on a buffer prior to test. The buffer will then be stepped through when the sequence begins. The loop rate of a PLC can be surpassed by performing a buffered output so a finer resolution of controls' activities can be achieved. Additionally one piece of LabView™ code will be required for this project to replace a mix of Wonder Ware®, LabView™, and Microsoft® Excel.

The novel data acquisition and controls system would benefit NASA funded missions because this tool does not rely on PLC thus improving the control loop rate speed. This smaller, stand alone, data acquisition and control system could be used on small scale projects, where complex acquisition and control systems can be independent of a main test complex DACS. It' s availability would reduce the potential for operator error when conducting test where data is being collected and monitoring is occurring and consolidated on only 1 screen, rather than the typical and often conflicting read-outs that are traditionally displayed on 2 different screen. Benefits to NASA unfunded missions and planned missions, anticipated as part of future test programs, could potentially be that the size of control rooms and data storage could be reduced by half. Additional software maintenance could also be reduced by having to only use piece of LabView® code instead of the three that have historically been used (WonderWare®, LabView™, and Microsoft® Excel). Benefits to the commercial space industry would be similar to those that would provide to NASA. Any processes that require and incorporate multiple data and acquisition control systems would benefit by this simplified, and user information is potentially more accurate. Additionally, the potential for significant costs savings could be a benefit as well. Benefits to other government agencies would be similar to those provided to NASA. If proven successful, a deployable DACS architecture with documented results on performance would be available for use, which would simplify processes, increase user confidence, and reduce costs.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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