An embedded training airborne data link end-machine testing device and its testing method

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of aircraft avionics testing instruments, specifically to an embedded training airborne data link terminal testing device and its testing method. The testing device includes a cabinet; a control computer mounted on the cabinet; an embedded training link exciter mounted on the cabinet; a programmable DC power supply mounted on the cabinet; a power meter mounted on the cabinet; a test interface; and a fixed / adjustable attenuator mounted on the cabinet. This invention achieves off-aircraft testing of the terminal by using embedded training link exciter software and test control software, supplemented by hardware resources such as a power meter, DC power supply, embedded training link exciter, and control computer. This avoids the drawbacks of previous tests requiring a real on-aircraft environment, saves testing costs, and improves testing efficiency. Simultaneously, it enables quantitative testing of performance indicators such as transmit power and sensitivity, providing an efficient testing method for terminal fault location and repair.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aircraft airborne equipment testing instruments, specifically to an embedded training airborne data link terminal testing device and its testing method. Background Technology

[0002] The embedded training airborne data link terminal (hereinafter referred to as "terminal") is an important airborne device in the avionics system of a certain type of aircraft. Its main function is to realize the data information required for combat training between the aircraft and the ground station, and to achieve air-to-ground network communication. During training missions, the training platform has the function of flexibly joining and leaving the network, encrypting and decrypting information to achieve secure communication, and has frequency band management function, which allows for the planning and setting of the channels used by the training aircraft. In addition to the secondary power supply, the terminal can be divided into four modules according to function: transmitting unit; receiving unit; data processing unit; and security module. As an important component of the airborne equipment of a certain type of aircraft, the terminal has a high failure rate, and most failures are caused by the failure or performance degradation of electronic components on the internal circuit board.

[0003] Current testing methods for terminal devices involve mounting the terminal device on an aircraft. After completing network formation by receiving radio frequency signals from an embedded training tester via an onboard antenna, the terminal device sends service data and network registration messages to the embedded training tester via a wireless channel. Upon receiving the signals, the embedded training tester displays the onboard member network status and can process service data to determine if the terminal device is functioning correctly. This testing method and the embedded training tester developed based on it only meet functional testing requirements. It cannot perform off-aircraft testing of the terminal device, nor can it quantitatively measure performance indicators such as the terminal device's transmit power and sensitivity, which is detrimental to fault location and repair within the terminal device. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention proposes an embedded training airborne data link terminal detection device and its testing method. This enables off-site detection of the terminal, allowing for quantitative detection of performance indicators such as transmit power and sensitivity, as well as intermediate signals from various internal performance modules, thus achieving accurate diagnosis of faulty terminal components.

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is achieved by the following technical solution:

[0006] An embedded training airborne data link end-machine detection device, comprising:

[0007] Server rack;

[0008] A control computer, installed on the cabinet, is used to set the excitation source parameters, generate the output excitation signal, complete the acquisition and measurement of the signal output by the terminal under test, and collect and organize the test data.

[0009] The embedded training chain exciter is installed on the rack and communicates with the control computer through a LAN interface. It is used to simulate the networking and data transmission and reception functions of the ground terminal and the airborne terminal, simulate network management equipment for network planning, and cooperate with the control computer to perform packet loss rate and packet number statistics.

[0010] A programmable DC power supply is installed on the cabinet and communicates with the control computer via a LAN / RS232 interface to provide power to the terminal under test.

[0011] A power meter, installed on the cabinet, is connected to the control computer via a LAN / RS232 interface and is used to measure the transmit power of the device under test.

[0012] The test interface is connected to the embedded training chain exciter, the programmable DC power supply, the power meter, and the device under test via dedicated test cables.

[0013] A fixed / adjustable attenuator is installed on the cabinet and connected to the test interface and the device under test via a dedicated test cable. It is used to adjust the signal strength between the testing device and the device under test.

[0014] Preferably, the dedicated test cable includes a radio frequency cable and a low frequency cable.

[0015] Preferably, the embedded training chain exciter includes an exciter panel, a power module connected to the exciter panel, a channel module connected to the exciter panel and the power module, and a communication module connected to the exciter panel and the channel module.

[0016] Preferably, the exciter panel includes an exciter front panel and an exciter rear panel. The exciter front panel is provided with an RF interface connected to the test interface and the channel module, as well as an exciter power switch. The exciter rear panel is provided with a LAN port connected to the control computer and the communication module, as well as an AC interface connected to an external power supply and a power module.

[0017] Preferably, the control computer includes airborne data stimulation software, Gnd ground-based embedded training control software, and Air airborne information processing software.

[0018] A detection method for an embedded training airborne data link end-user detection device, comprising the following steps:

[0019] Step (1) Connect the device under test to the testing device through a dedicated test cable, connect the power supply cable, turn on the power supply, check whether the DC power output value is within the normal working range, and turn on the power switches of the control computer, embedded training chain exciter, and power meter.

[0020] Step (II) After the control computer starts up, open the onboard data excitation software and complete the software configuration;

[0021] Step (3) Open the Gnd ground embedding control software, complete the startup and self-test of the embedding chain exciter, and put the embedding chain exciter into the link-on state;

[0022] Step (4) Open the Air onboard information processing software, complete the startup and self-test of the device under test, and put the device under test into the link-enabled state;

[0023] Step (5): The Gnd ground-based embedded training and control software interface displays that the network has been successfully established.

[0024] Step (VI) After successful network setup, perform tests on multi-rate adaptive reception, dual-antenna reception, transmit power, sensitivity functions, and performance indicators.

[0025] Step (7) After completing the test, close the test program, turn off the power supply to the control computer, the embedded training chain exciter, and the power meter, and turn off the system power supply.

[0026] Preferably, the specific test process for multi-rate adaptive reception in step (vi) is as follows:

[0027] After successfully setting up the network in step (1), click Local Control on the Air onboard information processing software interface. In the pop-up Local Control interface, select one of the air-to-ground transmission rates R1, R2, R3, and R4, click Settings, and the command will be executed successfully.

[0028] Step (2) On the Gnd ground embedded training control software interface, click Local Control. In the pop-up Local Control interface, select one of the ground-to-air transmission rates R1, R2, R3, and R4, click Settings, and the command will be executed successfully.

[0029] Step (3) Observe the real-time packet loss rate analysis interface of the Gnd ground embedded training control software. If the received transmission error rate is no more than 5%, it is considered qualified.

[0030] Preferably, the specific test process for dual-antenna reception in step (vi) is as follows:

[0031] After successful networking in step (a), click Real-time Analysis on the Gnd Ground Embedded Training and Control Software interface. On the pop-up interface, you can see the number of packets received by the airborne terminal and the packet loss rate in real time.

[0032] If the packet loss rate is no more than 5% in step (b), the dual-antenna reception function is determined to be normal; if the packet loss rate is greater than 5%, the dual-antenna reception function is determined to be abnormal.

[0033] Preferably, the specific testing process for the transmission power in step (vi) is as follows:

[0034] After successfully setting up the network in step (A), click Local Control on the Gnd ground embedded training and control software interface. In the pop-up interface, select Channel Number 1, click Settings, and the command will be executed successfully.

[0035] Step (B) On the Airborne Information Processing Software interface, click Local Control. In the pop-up interface, select Channel Number 1 and Transmit Power 0. Click Settings. The command will be executed successfully.

[0036] Step (C) Read the power value on the power meter. Subtract the attenuator and cable insertion loss from this value to get the transmission power of the device under test.

[0037] Preferably, the specific testing process for sensitivity in step (vi) is as follows:

[0038] Step (S1) On the Gnd ground training control software interface, click Local Control, select Link Switch, select Platform Address 181 in the pop-up interface, turn on the Link Switch, set the transmit power to 22, click Settings, and after successful execution, the command will be displayed as executed successfully, and the ground station link switch will be turned on.

[0039] In step (S2), the adjustable attenuator is set to 0, and the transmit power of the exciter is measured with a power meter and recorded as A1.

[0040] After completing the network setup in step (S3), select local control on the Air onboard information processing software interface, select channel number 1 on the local control interface, set the transmission rate according to R1 to R4 respectively, click set, and the command will be executed successfully.

[0041] Step (S4) Click Real-time Analysis and observe the packet loss rate of the airborne terminal in the pop-up interface;

[0042] Step (S5) Increase the attenuation of the adjustable attenuator and observe the packet loss rate. Under the condition that the packet loss rate is no more than 2%, record the maximum attenuation of the adjustable attenuator at this time as A2, and the sensitivity is A1-A2.

[0043] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0044] Compared with existing technologies, this invention achieves off-site testing of the terminal unit by using embedded training chain exciter software and test control software, supplemented by hardware resources such as power meters, DC power supplies, embedded training chain exciters, and control computers. This avoids the drawback of requiring a real on-site environment for previous tests, saves testing costs, and improves testing efficiency. Simultaneously, it enables quantitative testing of performance indicators such as transmit power and sensitivity, providing an efficient testing method for fault location and repair of the terminal unit. Attached Figure Description

[0045] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0046] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the detection device of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 2 This is a system block diagram of the detection device of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of the embedded training chain exciter in this invention;

[0049] Figure 4 This is a connection diagram for the networking and multi-rate adaptive reception test of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 5 This is a connection diagram for dual-antenna reception testing of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 6 This is a connection diagram for the transmission power test of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 7 This is a connection diagram for the sensitivity test of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the testing process for this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0054] To make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects of this invention easier to understand, the invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0055] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an embedded training airborne data link end-machine testing device includes a cabinet, a control computer, an embedded training link exciter, a programmable DC power supply, a power meter, a test interface, a fixed / adjustable attenuator, and a dedicated test cable.

[0056] The cabinet is used to centrally house instrument resources, provide space for cable laying, and ensure the entire system is compact and stable. The dedicated test cables include radio frequency cables and low-frequency cables.

[0057] The control computer, mounted on the rack, serves as the system control center. Internally, it includes airborne data excitation software, Gnd ground-based training control software, and Air airborne information processing software. Test programs run on the control computer to control modular instruments and dedicated testing equipment, output excitation signals, measure the response of the device under test (DUT), and determine whether the DUT's functions and performance are normal. During testing, test resources are uniformly scheduled, excitation source parameters are set, excitation signals are generated and conditioned, and the signals output by the DUT are acquired and measured. The DUT is controlled to complete the test according to a predetermined program, and the test data is collected and processed. In case of a fault, the faulty component can be quickly located.

[0058] The embedded training chain exciter is installed on the rack and communicates with the control computer through a LAN interface. It is used to simulate the networking and data transmission and reception functions of the ground terminal and the airborne terminal, simulate network management equipment for network planning, and cooperate with the control computer to perform packet loss rate and packet number statistics.

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown, the embedded training chain exciter includes an exciter panel, a power module, a channel module, and a communication module.

[0060] The actuator panel includes a front panel and a rear panel. The front panel has an RF interface for connecting to the test interface and the channel module, as well as an actuator power switch. The rear panel has a LAN port for connecting to the control computer and the communication module, and an AC interface for connecting to an external power supply and a power module.

[0061] The power module is used to convert the externally input AC 220V power into DC 28V and 5V required by the internal circuit of the exciter. It is connected to the power interface on the rear panel of the exciter via a power cord, and the power module is connected to the channel module via a wire.

[0062] The channel module has basic functions such as self-testing, setting and querying exciter operating parameters, simulating ground terminal and airborne terminal to realize networking and data transmission and reception. The channel module is connected to the radio frequency interface on the front panel of the exciter via a radio frequency cable.

[0063] The communication module is used for data communication and data processing between the exciter and the computer. The communication module is connected to the rear panel of the exciter via a LAN port.

[0064] The programmable DC power supply is installed on the cabinet and is connected to the control computer via a LAN / RS232 interface to provide power to the device under test.

[0065] The power meter is mounted on the cabinet and is connected to the control computer via a LAN / RS232 interface to measure the transmit power of the device under test.

[0066] The test interface is connected to the embedded training chain exciter, the programmable DC power supply, the power meter, and the device under test via dedicated test cables. For example... Figure 2 As shown in the figure, RF represents radio frequency signal, and the power meter and embedded training chain exciter are connected to the test interface via radio frequency cable; DC represents DC power output, and the programmable DC power supply is connected to the test interface via power cord.

[0067] The fixed / adjustable attenuator is mounted on the rack and connected to the test interface and the device under test (DUT) via dedicated test cables. It is used to adjust the signal strength between the testing device and the DUT. Figure 2 As shown in the figure, RF represents radio frequency signal, and the fixed / adjustable attenuator is connected to the test interface and the device under test via radio frequency cables.

[0068] like Figure 8 As shown, a detection method for an embedded training airborne data link end-user detection device, using the aforementioned embedded training airborne data link end-user detection device, includes the following steps:

[0069] Step (1) Connect the device under test to the testing device through a dedicated test cable, connect the power supply cable, turn on the power supply, check whether the DC power output value is within the normal operating range, and turn on the power switches of the control computer, embedded training chain exciter, and power meter.

[0070] Step (II) After the computer starts up, open the onboard data excitation software and complete the software configuration.

[0071] Step (3) Open the Gnd ground embedding control software, complete the startup and self-test of the embedding chain exciter, and put the embedding chain exciter into the link-on state.

[0072] Step (4) Open the Air onboard information processing software, complete the startup and self-test of the device under test, and put the device under test into the link-enabled state.

[0073] Step (5): The Gnd ground-based embedded training control software interface displays that the network has been successfully connected.

[0074] Step (VI) After successful network setup, conduct tests on multi-rate adaptive reception, dual-antenna reception, transmission power, sensitivity functions, and performance indicators.

[0075] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, the specific test process for multi-rate adaptive reception is as follows:

[0076] After successfully setting up the network in step (1), click Local Control on the Air onboard information processing software interface. In the pop-up Local Control interface, select one of the air-to-ground transmission rates R1, R2, R3, and R4, click Settings, and the command will be executed successfully.

[0077] Step (2) On the Gnd ground embedded training control software interface, click Local Control. In the pop-up Local Control interface, select one of the ground-to-air transmission rates R1, R2, R3, and R4, click Settings, and the command will be executed successfully.

[0078] Step (3) Observe the real-time packet loss rate analysis interface of the Gnd ground embedded training control software. If the received transmission error rate is no more than 5%, it is considered qualified.

[0079] like Figure 5 As shown, the specific test process for dual-antenna reception is as follows:

[0080] After successful network setup in step (a), click Real-time Analysis on the Gnd ground embedded training and control software interface. On the pop-up interface, you can see the number of packets received by the airborne terminal and the packet loss rate in real time.

[0081] If the packet loss rate is no more than 5% in step (b), the dual-antenna reception function is determined to be normal; if the packet loss rate is greater than 5%, the dual-antenna reception function is determined to be abnormal.

[0082] like Figure 6 As shown, the specific test process for transmission power is as follows:

[0083] After successfully setting up the network in step (A), click "Local Control" on the Gnd ground embedded training and control software interface. In the pop-up interface, select channel number 1, click "Settings," and the command execution will be successful.

[0084] Step (B) On the Airborne Information Processing Software interface, click Local Control. In the pop-up interface, select Channel Number 1 and Transmit Power 0. Click Settings, and the command will be executed successfully.

[0085] Step (C) Read the power value on the power meter. Subtract the attenuator and cable insertion loss from this value to get the transmission power of the device under test.

[0086] like Figure 7 As shown, the specific testing process for sensitivity is as follows:

[0087] Step (S1) On the Gnd ground training control software interface, click Local Control, select Link Switch, select Platform Address 181 in the pop-up interface, turn on the Link Switch, set the transmit power to 22, click Settings, and after successful execution, the command will be displayed as executed successfully, and the ground station link switch will be turned on.

[0088] In step (S2), the adjustable attenuator is set to 0, and the transmit power of the exciter is measured using a power meter and recorded as A1.

[0089] After completing the network setup in step (S3), select local control on the Air onboard information processing software interface, select channel number 1 on the local control interface, set the transmission rate according to R1 to R4 respectively, click set, and the command will be executed successfully.

[0090] Step (S4) Click Real-time Analysis and observe the packet loss rate of the airborne terminal in the pop-up interface;

[0091] Step (S5) Increase the attenuation of the adjustable attenuator and observe the packet loss rate. Under the condition that the packet loss rate is no more than 2%, record the maximum attenuation of the adjustable attenuator at this time as A2, and the sensitivity is A1-A2.

[0092] Step (7) After completing the test, close the test program, turn off the power supply to the control computer, the embedded training chain exciter, and the power meter, and turn off the system power supply.

[0093] The above Figures 4 to 7 In the diagram, L1-L5 are radio frequency cables, and the network port indicates a network cable connection; the 28V power supply is connected to the external power supply via a power cord; XS1 in the device under test is a low-frequency interface, connected using a low-frequency cable; XS2 and XS3 are radio frequency interfaces, connected using radio frequency cables.

[0094] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely prisms of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of this invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An embedded training airborne data link end-machine detection device, characterized in that: Comprising: Cabinet; Control computer, set on the cabinet, used for setting excitation source parameters, generating an output excitation signal, completing signal acquisition and measurement of the signal output by the device under test, and collecting and sorting test data; Embedded training chain exciter, set on the cabinet, communicatively connected to the control computer through a LAN interface, used for simulating the networking and data sending and receiving functions between the ground terminal and the airborne terminal, simulating the network management device for network planning, and cooperating with the control computer to count the packet loss rate and the number of sent packets; Program-controlled DC power supply, set on the cabinet, communicatively connected to the control computer through a LAN / RS232 interface, used for providing power to the device under test; Power meter, set on the cabinet, communicatively connected to the control computer through a LAN / RS232 interface, used for measuring the transmit power of the device under test; Test interface, connected to the embedded training chain exciter, program-controlled DC power supply, power meter, and device under test respectively through a dedicated test cable; Fixed / variable attenuator, set on the cabinet, connected to the test interface and the device under test respectively through a dedicated test cable, used for adjusting the signal strength between the detection device and the device under test; The specific test process of multi-rate adaptive reception includes selecting the ground-air transmission rate on the interfaces of the Air airborne information processing software and the Gnd ground embedded training control software, observing the real-time packet loss rate analysis interface, and if the received transmission error packet rate is not greater than 5%, it is qualified.

2. The embedded training airborne data link end-machine detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dedicated test cable includes a radio frequency cable and a low-frequency cable.

3. The embedded training airborne data link end-machine detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The embedded training chain exciter includes an exciter panel, a power supply module connected to the exciter panel, a channel module connected to the exciter panel and the power supply module, and a communication module connected to the exciter panel and the channel module.

4. The embedded training airborne data link end-machine detection device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The exciter panel includes an exciter front panel and an exciter rear panel. On the exciter front panel, there are radio frequency interfaces connected to the test interface and the channel module, as well as an exciter power switch. On the exciter rear panel, there is a LAN network port connected to the control computer and the communication module, and an AC power interface connected to an external power supply and the power supply module.

5. The embedded training airborne data link end-machine detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Inside the control computer, there are airborne data excitation software, Gnd ground embedded training control software, and Air airborne information processing software.

6. A detection method for an embedded training airborne data link end-machine detection device, characterized in that: Applying an embedded training airborne data link terminal detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the steps are as follows: Step (1) Connect the device under test to the detection device through a dedicated test cable, connect the power supply cable well, start the power supply, check whether the output value of the DC power supply is within the normal working range, and turn on the power switches of the control computer, embedded training chain exciter, and power meter; Step (2) After the control computer starts, open the airborne data excitation software and complete software configuration; Step (3) Open the Gnd ground embedded training control software, complete the startup and self-check of the embedded training chain exciter, and place the embedded training chain exciter in the link-on state; Step (4) Open the Air airborne information processing software, complete the startup and self-check of the device under test, and place the device under test in the link-on state; Step (5): The Gnd ground-based embedded training and control software interface displays that the network has been successfully established. Step (VI) After successful network setup, perform tests on multi-rate adaptive reception, dual-antenna reception, transmit power, sensitivity functions, and performance indicators. Step (7) After completing the test, close the test program, turn off the power supply to the control computer, the embedded training chain exciter, and the power meter, and turn off the system power supply.

7. The detection method of the embedded training airborne data link end-machine detection device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The specific test process for multi-rate adaptive reception in step (six) is as follows: After successfully setting up the network in step (1), click Local Control on the Air onboard information processing software interface. In the pop-up Local Control interface, select one of the air-to-ground transmission rates R1, R2, R3, and R4, click Settings, and the command will be executed successfully. Step (2) On the Gnd ground embedded training control software interface, click Local Control. In the pop-up Local Control interface, select one of the ground-to-air transmission rates R1, R2, R3, and R4, click Settings, and the command will be executed successfully. Step (3) Observe the real-time packet loss rate analysis interface of the Gnd ground embedded training control software. If the received transmission error rate is no more than 5%, it is considered qualified.

8. The detection method of the embedded training airborne data link end-machine detection device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The specific test process for dual-antenna reception in step (six) is as follows: After successful networking in step (a), click Real-time Analysis on the Gnd Ground Embedded Training and Control Software interface. On the pop-up interface, you can see the number of packets received by the airborne terminal and the packet loss rate in real time. If the packet loss rate is no more than 5% in step (b), the dual-antenna reception function is determined to be normal; if the packet loss rate is greater than 5%, the dual-antenna reception function is determined to be abnormal.

9. The detection method of the embedded training airborne data link end-machine detection device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The specific testing process for the transmit power in step (six) is as follows: After successfully setting up the network in step (A), click Local Control on the Gnd ground embedded training and control software interface. In the pop-up interface, select Channel Number 1, click Settings, and the command will be executed successfully. Step (B) On the Airborne Information Processing Software interface, click Local Control. In the pop-up interface, select Channel Number 1 and Transmit Power 0. Click Settings. The command will be executed successfully. Step (C) Read the power value on the power meter. Subtract the attenuator and cable insertion loss from this value to get the transmission power of the device under test.

10. The detection method of the embedded training airborne data link end-machine detection device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The specific testing process for sensitivity in step (six) is as follows: Step (S1) On the Gnd ground training control software interface, click Local Control, select Link Switch, select Platform Address 181 in the pop-up interface, turn on the Link Switch, set the transmit power to 22, click Settings, and after successful execution, the command will be displayed as executed successfully, and the ground station link switch will be turned on. In step (S2), the adjustable attenuator is set to 0, and the transmit power of the exciter is measured with a power meter and recorded as A1. After completing the network setup in step (S3), select local control on the Air onboard information processing software interface, select channel number 1 on the local control interface, set the transmission rate according to R1 to R4 respectively, click set, and the command will be executed successfully. Step (S4) Click Real-time Analysis and observe the packet loss rate of the airborne terminal in the pop-up interface; Step (S5) Increase the attenuation of the adjustable attenuator and observe the packet loss rate. Under the condition that the packet loss rate is no more than 2%, record the maximum attenuation of the adjustable attenuator at this time as A2, and the sensitivity is A1-A2.

Images