A Look at NI’s Latest Aerospace And Defense Test Solutions

National Instruments (NI) has a long and impressive list of accomplishments in testing within the aerospace and defense industries. From its impressive history working closely with NASA to its current technological breakthroughs, NI has made a name for itself as a powerhouse of innovation. 

When testing assets that are critical for the success of aerospace and defense missions, it is necessary to have reliable and proven test strategies. In today’s post, we will highlight some of the recently announced ways that NI is using its versatile and configurable platform to help design, test, and maintain complex aerospace and defense test systems.

Enhancing Testing Capabilities With the mioDAQ 

NI’s newest (and smallest) testing powerhouse is the mioDAQ! Announced in September of 2024, mioDAQ devices are designed for precise USB data acquisition. The mioDAQ platform is currently available in four module variations: the USB-6421, the USB-6423, the USB-6451, and the USB-6453. The USB-6421 and the USB-6423 offer 16-bit measurements, while the USB-6451 and USB-6453 provide 20-bits. Depending on the device, there are either 2 or 4 Analog Output channels paired with 16 flexible Digital I/O channels.

Thanks to NI’s proprietary counter/timer architecture, these adaptable mioDAQ devices use TTL digital lines and ±10 V input and output channels to offer versatile functionality for a wide range of applications. Some of the standout features of the mioDAQ for measurements include low-voltage current sensors, pulse and event counting capabilities, string potentiometers, and power rails. When it comes to signal automation and generation, these compact devices are able to generate pulse-width modulated signals and work with digital output signals. Additionally, they are equipped with triggers and clocks for enhanced precision.

mioDAQ modules are equipped with FlexLogger Lite data logging software, which is an excellent asset for applications that require quick data access. The series also integrates seamlessly with LabVIEW software for laboratory and factory test equipment. For technicians and engineers in the aerospace and defense industries, mioDAQ streamlines setup and saves valuable time. While they are smaller than other DAQs as a USB DAQ platform, they provide a speedy solution for data validation where it’s most needed.

Streamlining Physical Test Solutions in the Aerospace Industry

Another recent announcement from NI is the steps being taken to streamline physical test solutions in the aerospace industry. With decades of technical expertise, NI’s solutions have been proven to reliably address the testing needs for both aerospace and military operations. To help achieve “mission-readiness”, NI offers resources for engineers that help control risks, cut expenses, and boost productivity. Most recently, these resources have assisted in advancements for both mechanical systems and structural tests.

Static test solutions are a big part of NI’s current approach. Using Test, Data, and Systems management software; the company (now a part of Emerson) operates as a comprehensive testing partner for aerospace companies across the aircraft, launch, and satellite stages. Software such as FlexLogger, SystemLink, and Static Test Data Viewer makes system setup, configuration, data logging, and analysis easier than ever before. By using static structural test architecture analysts may remotely access test data using industry-standard databases without the need for extra software licensing.

Addressing Strategies for Test System Obsolescence

Test system obsolescence is one of the most daunting challenges test engineers face. This is especially true for the government, military, and aerospace industries, where the performance and dependability of automated test equipment systems are essential. This was discussed in a recent webinar with panelists from NI, MAC, and Testeract.

Incompatibilities between products in different life cycles have the greatest impact on systems where test code is tightly linked to the test instrumentation- so how should engineers mitigate these potential issues? One possible strategy to safeguard against obsolescence is introducing a user-defined Hardware Abstraction Layer (or, HAL). This method involves building and maintaining a loosely connected test system and has been known to manage the discrepancies between product life cycles and test instrumentation by not tightly tying test code with test instrumentation.

A HAL offers a lot of useful functions. There are fewer weak places because it creates a division between the instrument and the code, facilitating the easy addition of new instruments to the system and unifying the interface for related instruments. A HAL extracts the details from the code and abstracts them, supporting a variety of driver types.

HALs take the variations of timing and synchronization into consideration- quickly adapting to modifications in data generation, and checking for mistakes. These abstraction layers can simulate instruments, handle the disparities between various data scales, and revalidate test systems through fault insertion.

At Apex Waves, we fill in the gaps to help you address test equipment obsolescence. Our diverse inventory is packed with NI hardware from every phase of the Product Lifecycle, with no “last time buy dates”. The thousands of parts that we have in stock have already undergone extensive testing and quality assessment, so they are ready to be shipped as soon as possible. Request a quote today!

Advancing Rocket Engine Testing

With increased space launches, the need for advanced rocket engine testing is growing more now than ever before. In order to expedite rocket propulsion testing, NI engineers are using input from thousands of aerospace clients to implement technological advancements and speed up time to market with tried-and-true productivity tools such as LabVIEW software, PXI modules, and C-Series devices. With the introduction of new rocket capabilities, these technologies allow space teams to stay up to date with rapidly evolving design needs.

NI is working closely with one of its partners, JKI, to create innovative solutions that satisfy the demanding needs of space applications. JKI’s program is called STAR-GOAT, and it offers the flexibility and dependability required by the space industry with the controls and measurements necessary for rigorous rocket test applications. STAR-GOAT is made to simplify high-speed I/O control and monitoring- using intuitive graphical user interfaces to simplify acquisition, logging, and control logic configurations.

Additionally, NI platforms such as PXI, cRIO, and cDAQ can be paired with software and operating systems like LabVIEW and NI Linux Real-Time to provide quality measurements, reliable processing, and ruggedized platforms for rocket engine test systems.

Conclusion

Aerospace and defense assets, from engines to avionics, are getting more complicated as technology advances. Even while systems get more complex, testing deadlines don’t increase, meaning that these industries are expected to meet stringent deadlines and budgetary restrictions for mission-critical resources. Together with it’s partners, NI is continuing to provide solutions and strategies the cover every stage of test and development.