White Paper: Aerospace
Accelerate and De-Risk NextGen Aircraft System Design
SPONSORED BY:
Pickering's white paper explores the use of Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation to accelerate and de-risk the development of Next-Generation Aircraft (NGA) systems. It highlights key challenges, such as modular architectures, electrification, and cybersecurity, while showcasing HIL's benefits, including cost savings, safety, and scalability. The paper also details modular solutions for testing sensors, actuators, and communication systems, emphasizing their role in meeting stringent aerospace standards and advancing NGA innovation.
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Overview
The Pickering White Paper titled "Accelerate & De-Risk NextGen Aircraft System Design" discusses the complexities and challenges associated with the development of next-generation aircraft (NGA) systems. It emphasizes the importance of Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing as a critical method for validating and verifying the functionality of these advanced systems.
The document outlines how HIL testing can replicate the operational environment of a Device Under Test (DUT) by providing realistic stimuli and emulating expected inputs and outputs. This approach allows engineers to diagnose issues and integrate components more efficiently, ultimately reducing development time and risk.
Key features of HIL systems include fault insertion capabilities, which enable the simulation of various faults to test the robustness of the DUT. The paper highlights the need for high-density switching solutions to manage the diverse signals involved in HIL testing, including high-voltage, high-current, RF/microwave, and analog signals. Pickering offers a range of switching modules designed to facilitate these requirements, including built-in relay self-test (BIRSTTM) hardware for automatic fault detection.
The white paper also discusses the modularity of HIL systems, which aligns with the modular design of NGAs. This modular approach allows teams to focus on specific functions even before the prototype hardware is available, providing valuable insights into functional behavior and accelerating project timelines.
Additionally, the document touches on the integration of modern technologies such as digital twins, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) into the HIL simulation process, enhancing the development and verification of complex aircraft systems.
The paper concludes by acknowledging the ongoing advancements in aircraft technology, including new propulsion systems and increased operational bandwidths, while reiterating the proven effectiveness of HIL simulation in addressing the challenges posed by these innovations.
Overall, the white paper serves as a comprehensive guide for engineers and stakeholders involved in the design and development of next-generation aircraft, offering insights into best practices, tools, and methodologies to streamline the process and mitigate risks.