Data Concentrator for Modular and Distributed Control of Propulsion Systems

Orbital Research proposes to develop, build and test a high temperature Data Concentrator Module for use in distributed turbine engine control at high temperatures. The concentrator receives analog and digital signals related to turbine engine control and communicates with a FADEC or high level command processor. This data concentrator is follows the road map put forth by DECWG for use in creating a demonstration platform for turbine engine distributed controls communication development that operates at temperatures at least up to 225oC. The goal of Phase I is to develop detailed specifications for each component needed for the system, as well as to define the total system specification. This will entail a combination of system design, compiling existing component specifications, laboratory testing, and simulation. The results will show feasibility of the data concentrator. Phase II of this program is will focus on three key objectives: The first objective will be the detailed design, fabrication and testing of three new high temperature ASICs. Secondly software necessary to demonstrate operation the prototype will be developed. Finally integration of the components and software into a prototype high temperature Data Concentrator Module will be completed to demonstrate operation of the complete system in a realistic environment.

Defense and Commercial applications include: Next generation military and civilian aircraft turbine engines, including rotorcraft, UAS, and land vehicles (very large market potential); Down-hole drilling and geothermal drilling controls; Ground testing rocket and turbine engines; Prognostic Health Management (PHM)/Integrated System Health Management (ISHM); Chemical, nuclear, refinery, and process plant instrumentation Powertrain controls for internal combustion engines, gas or diesel (for instance an improved waste gate turbo-booster).

Multiple NASA, Defense, and Commercial applications exist for the proposed Data Concentrator module technology, the associated high temperature integrated circuits, and variant high temperature control modules. Within NASA the variants of the Data Concentrator can be incorporated into: Ground testing of rocket engines; Ground testing of turbine engines (including VAATE); Sensor webs and distributed sensors (non-engine); Highly reconfigurable sensors Space-related applications due to inherent radiation-hardened characteristics of SOI electronics.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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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