FEATURE TEST & MEASUREMENT
signal conditioning and functionality between the CompactRIO and the LRU. Saab did not immediately find a COTS solution for customised signal conditioning along with switching and applying loads, so it started an internal development project to integrate the NI equipment with its simulators.
Saab LRU test system diagram
cooling capable of hosting twelve modules that can be used in applications such as Saab’s HIL testing. The SLSC system looked similar to the
Bloomy controls eight- channel VDT/resolver simulation module used by Saab
Syncore S131 eight- channel VDT
demodulator module used by Saab
During this project, the company met
with NI staff for an overview of the Switch Load and Signal Conditioning (SLSC) system. The SLSC solution extends PXI and CompactRIO measurement hardware with high- power relays for signal switching, power loads, and additional in-line signal conditioning capability. The system consists of a chassis with built-in active
one Saab were developing internally. It also made creating the system easier for the company as NI is a preferred supplier for Saab already. By having NI define the ecosystem or “constraints” for switches, loads and signal conditioning targeted at HIL applications with the NI platform, Saab could potentially lower costs as it would not need to spend time and effort defining them itself. Saab put its internal system development on hold to go with the COTS SLSC system. The company can choose from a variety
of third-party SLSC modules, create its own modules or contact third parties to build modules based on a detailed hardware and software development kit and design specifications from NI. This fits well with Saab’s custom needs, and the company is following all of these paths. It creates its own modules by working with a local developer called Syncore Technologies. As they are also based in Linköping, Saab can develop modules much faster, which is a huge advantage to the company. Saab can use the intellectual property from some of its existing designs quite
easily using the SLSC Module Development Kit and design guidelines. The company worked with NI to outline its requirements and partnered with aerospace domain experts and NI Alliance Partners, Bloomy Controls and SET for modules.
BENEFITS OF SLSC Saab can use the SLSC system to focus on developing custom circuitry following the constraints defined by NI in the SLSC standard to save time and development resources. Without the SLSC, the company may have needed to spend thousands of man hours and many thousands of Euros in materials to develop the system itself. Saab would have had to consider the cooling, the form factor, connectors, and more to create a custom signal conditioning system. Having a COTS product means the
company can contain development and maintenance costs promoting the Saab initiative to break the cost curve. Using the SLSC system further promotes its goal to focus the attention on building HIL test systems and rigs, not developing advanced hardware.
FUTURE PLANS The company has already begun plans to integrate SLSC into one simulator at Saab. With its savings from using a COTS system from NI, the company plans to use CompactRIO and SLSC in a number of new simulators in the near future to continue testing innovative functionality for the Gripen fighters in a short timeframe and hitting the goal to lower the cost of test. Recently, the Gripen E took off on its
maiden flight over southern Sweden. It was a big success and another great milestone in Saab’s aviation history. The company will begin to use its SLSC- based simulator to refine the Gripen E’s LRU systems further for delivery of the first aircraft in the next few years.
Gripen E Fighter System. Copyright Saab AB
32 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 | INSTRUMENTATION
Saab NI
saabgroup.com www.ni.com
/ INSTRUMENTATION
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