Data Acquisition Systems


Introduction


FADAS™ (Fully Automated Data Acquisition System) has been developed by Vital Link using standard commercial off the shelf equipment (COTS) to meet the demanding requirements of current and future aircraft engine testing. Whether military or civilian, an overhaul specialist or development end user, FADAS™ will enable safe, dependable, repeatable, efficient and cost effective engine testing.

Standard FADAS Features


FADAS™ utilizes the very latest in technology and software development to provide all the features and functionality of a traditional engine test system including:


  • Analogue and Digital Displays
  • Annunciator Panel
  • Audio and Visual Cues
  • Transient and Steady State Recording
  • Event Logs
  • Critical systems redundant back-up
  • Critical systems power back-up
  • Proven Off the Shelf equipment with global support
  • Data print out to required formats
  • Customised Displays
  • System Help Files
  • Data Backup
  • High System Accuracy typically 0.01 % FS
  • System Scan Rates up to 1000 Hz per Channel
  • Real Time, Deterministic with Synchronous Data Logging
  • Standard Day data processing

Enhanced FADAS Features


FADAS™ is flexible in its design, implementation and use and can be tailored to your specific requirements, now and in the future. Enhanced FADAS ™ features include:


  • Fully Automated Engine Test
  • Facility and Engine Touch Screen Control
  • Data Bus Interface
  • Electronic Throttle
  • Remote Monitoring
  • Performance Software
  • Technical Publications Suite

FADAS™ incorporates numerous features and enhancements over more traditional and standard engine test systems. These features better present data to operators, managers and original engine manufacturers across multiple platforms, sites and regions of the world.


Fully automated features of the system insure all engine testing produces accurate engine data that is correctly evaluated with schedules repeatably performed for each engine type with operations accurately controlled to the OEM requirements. This removes the possibility of incorrect calculations or operator error and reduces the test running time and costs. Critical operations during engine test runs are accurately followed resulting in optimal component performance and service life.


Integration is key within the system, allowing this network aware product to transfer, share and pass data from numerous sources to numerous destinations, local or globally, with seamless ease and transparency.



Flexibility


The FADAS™ system can be configured for all types of gas turbine engine testing and operation and is highly adaptable to your specification. Each FADAS™ display is constructed, as required, from a library of software generated objects. FADAS™ system software also provides a number of user-friendly tools and features which help the operator to perform engine tests both safely and efficiently.


Inherent within the FADAS™ system is the ability to monitor all parameters for warning and alarm conditions. Exceeding set threshold conditions results in a number of automated actions which include audio and on-screen visual cues, event logging and automated engine shutdown.


System Architecture


The VLE FADAS™ technology is a fully scalable system capable of providing from 2 to over 2000 input channels. Scan rates are variable from 20Hz to 500Hz with accuracies down to 0.01% FS.


Plug and play channel modules require minimal configuration with the system architecture allowing a full range from small modular, portable packaged systems to large scale, fixed and multi-engine facilities.


System configuration flexibility allows for various engine bus interfaces including; RS232, RS485, ARINC, MIL-STD-1553B


Mechanical, Electro-Mechanical and Electronic throttle system options available including fully automated engine control throttles.



Options


Due to the flexibility of FADAS™ and varying customer and end user specifications FADAS™ can be fully integrated and supplied with a number of options, including:


  • CCTV
  • Vibration Monitoring and Analysis
  • Intercom
  • Weather Station