Evaluation Engineering - 23

inherited source code and multiple platforms." said Anderson and Lingafeldt.
"We have also seen increased connectivity testing for Iridium network-based aircraft communication modules. With the
contribution Iridium Communications
has made towards reliable communications coverage anywhere in the world,
the integration of their modems and
technology into mil-aero solutions continues to grow."
According to Wadkins at Digilent, "The
earlier standards for embedded computing often used in MIL/aero applications,
such as PC/104 and VME, required CPU
cards, single-board computers (SBCs),
and I/O to be specifically compatible with
the connectors and mechanical features
specified by those standards. The demand
for serial buses, particularly USB for its already widespread adoption, has increased
within the embedded PC world."
"The US Army has awarded in excess
of $3B in contracts for a new generation
of manpack and handheld radios with
enhanced performance over the existing
first-generation software-defined radio
technology," said Leitner at Menlo Micro.
"These 'second-generation' radios are required to have improved digital modulations, waveforms, and data rates, while
supporting existing milcom systems like
SINCGARS. The largest share of these
new contracts will be for field handheld
radios."
According to Greenfield at Acromag,
"Many customers continue to migrate
from VME-based systems as boards go
end-of-life. The alternative is usually
a rugged server with PCIe expansion
cards, or a rugged small-form-factor
embedded computer with mini-PCIe
modules."
A Kikusui spokesman said, "There is
also a demand for variable frequency, and
there is a demand for an AC power supply
that can output frequencies of 1 kHz or
higher," the spokesperson said, with applications including the evaluation and
test of VFAC (variable-frequency AC) generation systems. Consequently, variablefrequency outputs are required in addition to 400-Hz outputs. Also required is
bidirectional, regenerative operation for
battery discharge test.

vanEijkelenburg at Pacific Power
Source commented that trends evolve
slowly in aerospace applications due to
regulatory and FAA requirements requiring extensive certification cycles.
"However, there is a growing trend towards replacing hydraulic systems with
electrical systems in an effort to reduce
lifetime maintenance costs," he said.

The complete version of the Mil/Aero
Special Report is available on the EEEvaluation Engineering website at
evaluationengineering.com/21148800.
REFERENCE

1. Nelson, Rick, "From the Simulation Environment
to the Flightline," EE-Evaluation Engineering,
February 2020, p. 10.

SEPTEMBER 2020 EVALUATIONENGINEERING.COM

http://www.evaluationengineering.com/21148800 http://www.microcontrol.com http://www.EVALUATIONENGINEERING.COM

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