Remote Controller Testing Unit for Aircraft Motor Starter Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Testing the tight timing requirements of common motor starter controllers in aircraft electrical power systems is costly and time-consuming due to the need for manual analysis of data collected in hardware labs, requiring extensive equipment and many test cases.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a remote testing unit to send and coordinate commands with a controller unit, allowing for automated testing of timing requirements through a communication layer, eliminating the need for physical code modifications and manual interaction, and enabling accurate measurement of timing between events at a high resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual analysis of test data is used in hardware labs, then testing can be performed with basic equipment, but testing costs and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system automatically analyzes test data without requiring manual intervention. The processor unit executes test cases, collects measurements, and determines pass/fail results autonomously, eliminating the need for manual data analysis and significantly improving testing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical analysis processes with automated electronic measurement and processing systems. The testing unit uses electronic communication layers and processor-based automation to substitute human operators, reducing both time and cost while maintaining measurement accuracy
2Measurement precision
If extensive test cases are created for tight timing requirements, then testing accuracy improves, but the number of required test cases and resources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The testing unit is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple types of timing requirements through a single integrated system. The processor unit can execute different test cases and measure various timing parameters using the same hardware platform, reducing the need for specialized equipment for each test scenario
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves high measurement precision by changing measurement parameters dynamically. The testing unit can adjust measurement resolution, timing thresholds, and test conditions programmatically, allowing accurate timing measurements without requiring an excessive number of fixed test cases
3Extent of automation
If remote testing is implemented, then testing flexibility and automation improve, but communication coordination between testing unit and controller unit becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication layer as an intermediary between the remote testing unit and the controller unit. This communication layer handles protocol translation, data formatting, and coordination tasks, enabling automated testing while managing communication complexity through a standardized interface
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the testing unit, communication layer, and controller unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture, making remote automation more manageable despite communication requirements
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method, apparatus, and computer program product for testing hardware. A number of commands are identified for a testing unit. A communication layer of the testing unit is requested to send the number of commands to a controller unit for a platform. The testing unit is remote from the controller unit. The number of commands is coordinated with the controller unit. Results of the number of commands of the testing unit are received through the communication layer.