Test Equipment and Test Methods for Airborne Collision Avoidance Systems Based on Network Communication

Abstract

This invention discloses a network-based airborne collision avoidance system testing device, comprising a test system hub, a signal testing unit, a DC power supply assembly, an industrial control computer, a TCAS tester, and an ATC / DME tester. The test system hub is connected to an S-mode transponder, an ACAS main unit, an antenna switching switch, the TCAS tester, the ATC / DME tester, the industrial control computer, the DC power supply assembly, and the signal testing unit. The TCAS tester and the ATC / DME tester are connected to the industrial control computer via a switch. The industrial control computer is connected to the DC power supply assembly, which is also connected to the signal testing unit. This device enables automated testing of multiple devices under test, reducing testing costs and the workload of testing personnel, and improving the accuracy of test results.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of airborne collision avoidance technology, specifically to a test device and test method for an airborne collision avoidance system based on network communication. Background Technology

[0002] The basic function of the TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) is to periodically transmit interrogation signals to either the ATCRBS (Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System) or the Mode S transponder (which can report altitude) and listen for their responses. By tracking the response information, altitude, altitude rate, distance, range rate, range acceleration, and bearing can be obtained. The response signals are then analyzed to identify potential collision threats and provide appropriate instructions (advancement) to the crew to ensure a safe separation.

[0003] These data, along with the current TCAS sensitivity level SL (which defines the level of protection around the aircraft), determine whether an intruding aircraft poses a threat. Each threatening aircraft is processed individually to determine the minimum safe RA based on flight path data and coordination with other TCAS aircraft that can generate RA (Decision Advisory). If the TCAS computer's threat testing logic determines that a nearby aircraft may pose a potential collision or close encounter, the computer's threat testing logic will determine appropriate vertical maneuvers or vertical maneuver limits to ensure a safe separation between TCAS aircraft.

[0004] The TCAS airborne collision avoidance system interacts with other onboard sensor systems via a common, dedicated bus protocol, including the radio altimeter, barometric altimeter, GPS, and central control unit; the bus architecture follows the ARINC429 international standard bus protocol.

[0005] The TCAS airborne collision avoidance system in this invention belongs to the TCAS II system. Its device under test (UUT) includes three main components: an ACAS transceiver, an S-mode transponder, and an antenna switching switch.

[0006] Testing the TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) UUT (Underlying Device) equipment is an essential process in the overall production and faulty component testing and repair. Currently, domestic manufacturers typically use a combination of general-purpose and specialized instruments, along with dedicated software test cases and extensive manual operation. This manual testing method results in relatively high equipment testing costs; its drawbacks include low integration, low automation, and long processing time.

[0007] Existing integrated TCAS airborne collision avoidance system automated testing equipment in the domestic market is based on GPIB interconnection, and the coding of test cases is based on the ARINC735B international standard bus protocol. The hardware of the automated testing system based on the GPIB bus architecture relies on the TCAS tester RGS2000 and the ATC testers ATC1400A and S-1403DL. All of these devices are discontinued, and after-sales service and maintenance are difficult to guarantee. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To address the aforementioned shortcomings in existing technologies, this invention provides a network-based airborne collision avoidance system testing equipment and method. This solves the problem of testing and measuring the functional performance indicators of the collision avoidance system by utilizing network communication to build test cases based on a domestically customized protocol, on the basis of dedicated TCAS testing equipment and ATC / DME testers.

[0009] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, the present invention employs the following technical solution: an airborne collision avoidance system testing device based on network communication, comprising a test system hub, a signal testing unit, a DC power supply assembly, an industrial control computer, a TCAS tester, an ATC / DME tester, a Mode S transponder, an ACAS host, and an antenna switching switch. The test system hub is connected to the Mode S transponder, the ACAS host, the antenna switching switch, the TCAS tester, the ATC / DME tester, the industrial control computer, the DC power supply assembly, and the signal testing unit. The TCAS tester and the ATC / DME tester are connected to the industrial control computer via a switch. The industrial control computer is connected to the DC power supply assembly, which is also connected to the signal testing unit. The TCAS tester and the ATC / DME tester are connected to the signal testing unit and the test system hub via a radio channel, completing the cross-linking of input and output radio signals. The industrial control computer controls the test system hub and the signal testing unit, determines the output signal, and provides the test results.

[0010] Furthermore: the transponder interface, upper antenna, and lower antenna of the test system hub are all connected to the Mode S transponder; the host interface, T1-T4 interfaces, and B1-B4 interfaces of the test system hub are all connected to the ACAS host; the antenna switching switch interface of the test system hub is connected to the antenna switching switch; the power interface of the test system hub is connected to the DC power supply assembly; the transponder detection interface and host detection interface of the test system hub are both connected to the signal testing sub-unit; bus port 1 of the test system hub is connected to the bus board 1 of the industrial control computer; bus port 2 of the test system hub is connected to the bus board 2 of the industrial control computer; and the test system hub... The upper antenna is connected to the dummy panel 1-TOP of the ATC / DME tester, the lower antenna of the test system hub is connected to the dummy panel 1-BOT of the ATC / DME tester, the T1-T4 interfaces of the test system hub are connected to the dummy panels 2-T1-T4 of the TCAS tester, the B1-B4 interfaces of the test system hub are connected to the dummy panels 2-B1-B4 of the TCAS tester, the transponder suppression interface of the test system hub is connected to the ATC5000NG, and the host suppression interface of the test system hub is connected to the RGS2000NG. The test hub completes the hardware system access of the UUT (Used Under Test) and completes the impedance matching test of the S-mode transponder RF channel.

[0011] Furthermore: the transponder loading interface of the signal test unit is connected to the front panel loading socket of the Mode S transponder; the host monitoring interface of the signal test unit is connected to the front panel loading socket of the ACAS host; the host anti-collision serial port of the signal test unit is connected to the front panel loading socket of the ACAS host; the power interface of the signal test unit is connected to the DC power supply component; both the transponder test interface and the host test interface of the signal test unit are connected to the test system hub; the signal test unit is a test connection adapter for monitoring the working status of the UUT; and provides test interfaces for discrete signals, key signals, and power supply voltages required for the working status of the Mode S transponder and the ACAS host.

[0012] Furthermore: The industrial control computer uses the TCP communication protocol based on Gigabit Ethernet to complete data interaction with the Mode S transponder test board 429, the ACAS host test board 429, and the test signal source; it provides a communication interface with the test instrument, an interface with the integrated mouse, keyboard, and display, and a resident platform for the test software, which is the collision avoidance system test control software.

[0013] Furthermore: the GPIB interface of the DC power supply component is connected to the industrial control computer, the 220V interface of the DC power supply component is connected to the 220V mains power, and the 28V power output interface of the DC power supply component is connected to the signal test sub-unit and the test system hub; thus completing the AC to DC conversion function, it can control the remote control signal to turn the +28V operating voltage of the device under test on or off through the test software.

[0014] A test method for an airborne collision avoidance system based on network communication includes the following steps:

[0015] S1. When the top-level function starts, it first calls the database table to read the parameters of the DC power supply component, TCAS tester, ATC / DME tester, and signal test sub-component, and performs communication tests to ensure the completeness of the basic data of the underlying standard equipment that supports the test.

[0016] S2, top-level function calls the instrument driver interface encapsulation of the 429 communication module, GPIB communication module, network communication module, signal test sub-unit and RS232 communication module in the industrial control computer, to ensure support for communication test protocols for S-mode transponders, ACAS host and antenna switching switches;

[0017] S3, top-level function calls each UUT test item and test criterion information in the database to ensure the generation of human-computer interaction functions for test options and pass / fail criterion information in the test interface of S-mode transponder, ACAS host and antenna switch;

[0018] S4, top-level function calls the test case generation module to ensure that the test case generation module performs tests on the S-mode transponder, ACAS host and antenna switching switch according to the specified test items, completes real-time interaction of test data, and provides test judgment and pass / fail conclusions;

[0019] S5: The top-level function calls the database's test report template to obtain test results and UUT component information, thereby generating test reports.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: Using this testing equipment or method, automated testing of multiple devices under test can be achieved, reducing testing costs and the workload of testing personnel, and improving the accuracy of test results. This invention can cover all UUT components of domestically produced airborne collision avoidance systems compliant with the TCAS II system. Calculated based on full-state configuration, it can achieve an automated testing coverage rate of 60% for UUT components. It can effectively meet users' assurance and maintainability needs; at the same time, the economic cost of this invention is also low, and its market prospects are promising. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of the testing equipment in this invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of the test hub in this invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of the signal testing unit in this invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of the power control unit in this invention;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the test interface in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The specific embodiments of the present invention are described below to enable those skilled in the art to understand the present invention. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the scope of the specific embodiments. For those skilled in the art, various changes are obvious as long as they are within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined and determined by the appended claims. All inventions utilizing the concept of the present invention are protected.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, an airborne collision avoidance system testing device based on network communication includes a test system hub, a signal testing unit, a DC power supply assembly, an industrial control computer, a TCAS tester, and an ATC / DME tester. The test system hub is connected to an S-mode transponder, an ACAS main unit, an antenna switching switch, the TCAS tester, the ATC / DME tester, the industrial control computer, the DC power supply assembly, and the signal testing unit. The TCAS tester and the ATC / DME tester are connected to the industrial control computer via a switch. The industrial control computer is connected to the DC power supply assembly, which is also connected to the signal testing unit. The TCAS tester and the ATC / DME tester are connected to the signal testing unit and the test system hub via a radio channel to complete the cross-linking of input and output radio signals. The industrial control computer controls the test system hub and the signal testing unit, determines the output signal, and provides the test results.

[0028] like Figure 2As shown, the transponder interface, upper antenna, and lower antenna of the test system hub are all connected to the Mode S transponder. The host interface, T1-T4 interfaces, and B1-B4 interfaces of the test system hub are all connected to the ACAS host. The antenna switching switch interface of the test system hub is connected to the antenna switching switch. The power interface of the test system hub is connected to the DC power supply assembly. The transponder detection interface and host detection interface of the test system hub are both connected to the signal testing unit. Bus port 1 of the test system hub is connected to the bus board 1 of the industrial control computer, and bus port 2 of the test system hub is connected to the bus board 2 of the industrial control computer. The upper antenna of the test system hub... The test system hub connects to the dummy panel 1-TOP of the ATC / DME tester, the lower antenna of the test system hub connects to the dummy panel 1-BOT of the ATC / DME tester, the T1-T4 interfaces of the test system hub connect to the dummy panels 2-T1-T4 of the TCAS tester, the B1-B4 interfaces of the test system hub connect to the dummy panels 2-B1-B4 of the TCAS tester, the transponder suppression interface of the test system hub connects to the ATC5000NG, and the host suppression interface of the test system hub connects to the RGS2000NG. The test hub completes the hardware system access of the UUT (Used Under Test) and completes the impedance matching test of the S-mode transponder RF channel.

[0029] like Figure 3 As shown, the transponder loading interface of the signal test unit is connected to the front panel loading socket of the Mode S transponder; the host monitoring interface of the signal test unit is connected to the front panel loading socket of the ACAS host; the host anti-collision serial port of the signal test unit is connected to the front panel loading socket of the ACAS host; the power interface of the signal test unit is connected to the DC power supply assembly; both the transponder test interface and the host test interface of the signal test unit are connected to the test system hub. The signal test unit is a test connection adapter for monitoring the working status of the UUT; it provides test interfaces for discrete signals, key signals, and power supply voltages required for the working status of the Mode S transponder and the ACAS host.

[0030] The industrial control computer uses the TCP communication protocol based on Gigabit Ethernet to complete data interaction with the Mode S transponder test board 429, the ACAS host test board 429, and the test signal source; it provides a communication interface with the test instrument, an interface with the integrated mouse, keyboard and monitor, and a resident platform for the test software, which is the collision avoidance system test control software.

[0031] like Figure 4As shown, the GPIB interface of the DC power supply component is connected to the industrial control computer, the 220V interface of the DC power supply component is connected to the 220V AC mains power, and the 28V power output interface of the DC power supply component is connected to the signal test unit and the test system hub; it completes the AC to DC conversion function and can control the remote control signal to turn the +28V operating voltage of the device under test on or off through the test software.

[0032] Dedicated modular test and control software was designed and coded using the open-source tool QT and the C++ language. It features a scalable automated testing architecture, controlling the communication bus structure between test instruments and underlying hardware to edit test cases according to MOPS standard requirements. It completes standard-based MOPS tests through resource allocation and generates test reports in a user-defined format. Its main core functions include: automated test execution invocation, instrument driver interface encapsulation, test case encapsulation, test report generation, and automated test UI design. The test interface is shown below. Figure 5 .

[0033] A test method for an airborne collision avoidance system based on network communication includes the following steps:

[0034] S1. When the top-level function starts, it first calls the database table to read the parameters of the DC power supply component, TCAS tester, ATC / DME tester, and signal test sub-component, and performs communication tests to ensure the completeness of the basic data of the underlying standard equipment that supports the test.

[0035] S2, top-level function calls the instrument driver interface encapsulation of the 429 communication module, GPIB communication module, network communication module, signal test sub-unit and RS232 communication module in the industrial control computer, etc., to ensure support for communication test protocols for S-mode transponders, ACAS host and antenna switching switches;

[0036] S3, top-level function calls each UUT test item and test criterion information in the database to ensure the generation of human-computer interaction functions for test options and pass / fail criterion information in the test interface of S-mode transponder, ACAS host and antenna switch;

[0037] S4, top-level function calls the test case generation module to ensure that the test case generation module performs tests on the S-mode transponder, ACAS host and antenna switching switch according to the specified test items, completes real-time interaction of test data, and provides test judgment and pass / fail conclusions;

[0038] S5: The top-level function calls the database's test report template to obtain test results and UUT component information, thereby generating test reports.

Claims

1. A test device for an airborne collision avoidance system based on network communication, characterized in that, The system includes a test system hub, a signal test unit, a DC power supply assembly, an industrial control computer, a TCAS tester, and an ATC / DME tester. The test system hub is connected to an S-mode transponder, an ACAS main unit, an antenna switching switch, a TCAS tester, an ATC / DME tester, an industrial control computer, a DC power supply assembly, and a signal test unit. The TCAS tester and ATC / DME tester are connected to the industrial control computer via a switch. The industrial control computer is connected to the DC power supply assembly, which is also connected to the signal test unit. The TCAS tester and ATC / DME tester are connected to the signal test unit and the test system hub via a radio channel to complete the crosslinking of input and output radio signals. The industrial control computer controls the test system hub and signal test sub-units, determines the output signals, and provides the test results. The transponder interface, upper antenna, and lower antenna of the test system hub are all connected to a Mode S transponder. The host interface, T1-T4 interfaces, and B1-B4 interfaces of the test system hub are all connected to the ACAS host. The antenna switching switch interface of the test system hub is connected to an antenna switching switch. The power interface of the test system hub is connected to a DC power supply assembly. The transponder detection interface and host detection interface of the test system hub are both connected to a signal testing unit. Bus port 1 of the test system hub is connected to the bus board 1 of the industrial control computer, and bus port 2 of the test system hub is connected to the industrial control... The computer's bus board 2, the upper antenna of the test system hub is connected to the dummy panel 1-TOP of the ATC / DME tester, the lower antenna of the test system hub is connected to the dummy panel 1-BOT of the ATC / DME tester, the T1~T4 interfaces of the test system hub are connected to the dummy panels 2-T1~T4 of the TCAS tester, the B1~B4 interfaces of the test system hub are connected to the dummy panels 2-B1~B4 of the TCAS tester, the transponder suppression interface of the test system hub is connected to the ATC5000NG, and the host suppression interface of the test system hub is connected to the RGS2000NG; The test system hub completes the hardware system access of the UUT (Usage Under Test) and completes the impedance matching test of the RF channel of the Mode S transponder. The transponder loading interface of the signal test unit is connected to the loading socket on the front panel of the Mode S transponder; the host monitoring interface of the signal test unit is connected to the loading socket on the front panel of the ACAS host; the host anti-collision serial port of the signal test unit is connected to the loading socket on the front panel of the ACAS host; the power interface of the signal test unit is connected to the DC power supply assembly; both the transponder test interface and the host test interface of the signal test unit are connected to the test system hub. The signal test unit is a test connection adapter for monitoring the working status of the UUT, providing test interfaces for discrete signals, key signals, and power supply voltages required for the working status of the Mode S transponder and the ACAS host.

2. The airborne collision avoidance system testing equipment based on network communication according to claim 1, characterized in that, The industrial control computer uses the TCP communication protocol based on Gigabit Ethernet to complete data interaction with the Mode S transponder test board 429, the ACAS host test board 429, and the test signal source; it provides a communication interface with the test instrument, an interface with the integrated mouse, keyboard, and display, and a resident platform for the test software, which is the collision avoidance system test control software.

3. The airborne collision avoidance system testing equipment based on network communication according to claim 1, characterized in that, The GPIB interface of the DC power supply component is connected to the industrial control computer, the 220V interface of the DC power supply component is connected to the 220V mains power, and the 28V power output interface of the DC power supply component is connected to the signal test sub-unit and the test system hub; it completes the AC to DC conversion function and can control the remote control signal to turn the +28V operating voltage of the device under test on or off through the test software.

4. A test method for an airborne collision avoidance system based on network communication, applicable to the test equipment for an airborne collision avoidance system based on network communication as described in any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. When the top-level function starts, it first calls the database table to read the parameters of the DC power supply component, TCAS tester, ATC / DME tester, and signal test sub-component, and performs communication tests to ensure the completeness of the basic data of the underlying standard equipment that supports the test. S2, top-level function calls the instrument driver interface encapsulation of the 429 communication module, GPIB communication module, network communication module, signal test sub-unit and RS232 communication module in the industrial control computer, to ensure support for communication test protocols for S-mode transponders, ACAS host and antenna switching switches; S3, top-level function calls each UUT test item and test criterion information in the database to ensure the generation of human-computer interaction functions for test options and pass / fail criterion information in the test interface of S-mode transponder, ACAS host and antenna switch; S4, top-level function calls the test case generation module to ensure that the test case generation module performs tests on the S-mode transponder, ACAS host and antenna switching switch according to the specified test items, completes real-time interaction of test data, and provides test judgment and pass / fail conclusions; S5: The top-level function calls the database's test report template to obtain test results and UUT component information, thereby generating test reports.

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