White Paper: Test & Measurement
Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing of a FADEC System
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Testing mission-critical FADEC systems can be challenging, requiring precision, repeatable environments, and reliable tools. Our white paper, Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing of a FADEC System, developed in close collaboration with OPAL-RT, will help you access proven techniques and strategies to reduce risk, improve accuracy, and streamline FADEC validation in aerospace .
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Overview
The white paper titled "Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing of a FADEC System" presents a collaborative solution developed by Pickering Interfaces and OPAL-RT Technologies, focusing on the validation and verification of Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) systems. FADEC systems are critical embedded controllers used in modern commercial and military aircraft to manage all aspects of engine performance, ensuring optimal efficiency, reliability, and reduced pilot workload.
The document outlines the importance of HIL simulation as a powerful and certifiable validation strategy for FADEC systems. HIL testing allows for comprehensive verification of the system's functionality under various real-world conditions, which is essential given the safety-critical nature of these systems. The collaboration between Pickering and OPAL-RT combines real-time simulation capabilities with advanced sensor and load emulation, communication bus validation, and robust system integration, creating a scalable HIL test platform.
Key components of the FADEC system are discussed, including its inputs, outputs, and communication buses. Inputs to the FADEC system include various sensor data, while outputs drive actuators that convert electrical signals into mechanical movements, such as adjusting valve positions. The communication buses used in FADEC systems, such as ARINC 429 and AFDX, facilitate data transmission between the FADEC and other avionics systems, ensuring seamless integration with cockpit displays and flight management systems.
The paper also highlights the differences between Electronic Engine Controls (EECs), Digital Engine Controls (DECs), and FADECs, emphasizing the need for comprehensive testing due to the increasing complexity of engine control systems. FADEC systems, with their full authority over engine performance, must adhere to strict certification standards, including DO-178C and DO-254, reinforcing the necessity for robust development and verification strategies.
In summary, the white paper provides a detailed overview of the collaborative HIL solution for FADEC systems, emphasizing the significance of real-time simulation and comprehensive testing in ensuring the reliability and safety of modern aircraft engines. The integration of advanced technologies and methodologies in HIL testing is crucial for meeting the aerospace industry's highest standards and accelerating FADEC development.