MOOG SERVOCONTROLLERS ARE FIRST TO RUN REAL-TIME HARDWARE PLATFORM TAKING AEROSPACE TESTING TO NEW HEIGHTS

East Aurora, N.Y. – November 7th, 2008– Moog, a leader in providing motion control solutions, high performance flight simulation and leading-edge testing systems to the automotive, aviation and aerospace markets, has introduced a combination of communication interfaces based on Real-Time Ethernet. Using the most advanced and proven technology, servo controllers increase their functionality and boost the performance of aerospace testing. They now provide fast graphics, accurate synchronisation of up to 500 control channels, reduced latency time and complete management of a maximum of safety procedures to eliminate any risk on the tested specimen.

Although today Real-Time Ethernet is a common and proven technology, many experts believe it is not suited for critical applications such as aerospace testing. Moog has developed a Real-Time Ethernet interface that provides the test system with a high bandwidth and an unprecedented level of safety, particularly recommended for a variety of high performance aircraft, helicopter, and spacecraft testing. The test specimen can be protected against single point failures as well as dormant failures of any part of the control system. No single component should fail without being detected. Other systems using fibre optics or legacy technologies can’t provide the same level of safety based on a system architecture uniquely supported by Real-Time Ethernet.

“This is a great opportunity for us to demonstrate our expertise in applying newly available technology in a way that matches the needs of our aerospace testing market customers. Certain tests, such as iron bird, are deployed over a very long time span. We need to ensure that platform upgrades can take place transparently on running legacy systems so our customers can continue their tests while benefiting from latest technology developments,” said Pim van den Dijssel, Market Manager Test Systems, Moog.

The Real-Time Ethernet hardware platform represents an efficient means of optimizing test performance for Moog’s customers running: aircraft structural tests, iron bird tests, landing gear, helicopter airframe, rotor head and blade tests, engine casing tests, fin actuation loading tests, hydraulic system tests, load calibration tests and spacecraft structural integrity.

The new hardware architecture uses two different types of Ethernet interfaces. The recently launched Ethernet interface allows a real-time data transfer between the command generator (Real Time Front End) and the localised control loops managed by the Moog controller. The new Real-Time Ethernet interface uses specific and dedicated protocol software for data transfer. This plays a key role in providing customers with reduced latency while running tests. For example, the Quad Core IPC processor technology combined with the new Ethernet interface allows the reliable control of 256 control channels with a command resolution of 200 Hz and a latency of 5 ms for large iron bird test systems with up to 640 look-up tables and calculation channels.

A second type of Ethernet interface is used for transfer of load cell, position and spectrum data from the load control system to the data acquisition system. A similar Ethernet interface can also be activated to produce snapshots, archives or analysis from the servo controller based on data from the data acquisition system.

Pim van den Dijssel says: “As a company we are committed to helping our customers achieve optimal testing performance, continuous innovation and development in response to evolving challenges. These are key to ensuring continued success. We are delighted to mention that initial customer feedback has been extremely positive and customer expectations have been fully met.”

The Moog Test Controller incorporates Moog unique control loop technology and can handle complex multi-channel tests of up to 500 servo channels. Its flexibility -and high performance handling of complex testing formulas utilizing the Moog Explorer/Manager software make it an ideal tool for advanced aerospace testing. Moog provides servo-controllers that run structural tests (static and dynamic) ranging from complete aircraft and sub-assemblies to components.

Reader enquiries

Moog
William-Moog-Strasse 1
71034 Böblingen
Germany

www.moog.com/industrial

moog-industrial/