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Lru Test System Brochure

The LRU HIL Test Systems Solution Brochure outlines NI's approach to modernizing testing for aerospace and defense industries, emphasizing the need for adaptable and cost-effective solutions amidst rising development complexities. It introduces the System-on-Demand (SoD) methodology, which leverages modular, COTS-based components to streamline test system design and implementation, ultimately reducing time-to-market and development risks. Collaborations with SET GmbH and Tech180 enhance the offering, providing a range of customizable delivery formats to meet diverse testing requirements.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
24 views25 pages

Lru Test System Brochure

The LRU HIL Test Systems Solution Brochure outlines NI's approach to modernizing testing for aerospace and defense industries, emphasizing the need for adaptable and cost-effective solutions amidst rising development complexities. It introduces the System-on-Demand (SoD) methodology, which leverages modular, COTS-based components to streamline test system design and implementation, ultimately reducing time-to-market and development risks. Collaborations with SET GmbH and Tech180 enhance the offering, providing a range of customizable delivery formats to meet diverse testing requirements.

Uploaded by

shubhacomavia
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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LRU HIL TEST SYSTEMS SOLUTION BROCHURE

PAGE | 1 NI.COM/LRUTS SEPTEMBER 2021


LRU HIL TEST SYSTEMS SOLUTION BROCHURE

PAGE | 2 NI.COM/LRUTS SEPTEMBER 2021


LRU HIL TEST SYSTEMS SOLUTION BROCHURE

Solution Overview
Aerospace and defense companies face soaring development costs and complexities due to many
factors including the complicated embedded software, electronics, systems, and integration challenges
required in manned/unmanned aircraft, space launch vehicles, and new urban air mobility approaches.
At the same time, the pressure to develop products and systems faster and at a lower cost continues to
rise. Dated test approaches and equipment exacerbate problems, making adaptability to changing
requirements and early product testing difficult.

At NI, we continue to develop COTS hardware and software to address the underlying needs of testing
these complex products and systems. Customers have relied on NI platforms such as PXI for years
when designing and building their own test systems. And a few years ago, with our curated ecosystem,
we codeveloped the Switch Load and Signal Conditioning (SLSC) platform, a COTS-based solution
providing greatly improved connectivity with standardized cabling, connectors, and pinouts. This
platform adds a new type of COTS-based modularity and standardization that simplifies the
implementation of the complex cabling and wiring required for these types of validation systems.

Our curated partners further extend our breadth of solutions, providing capabilities in designing,
building, and supporting LRU HIL test systems. Together, we can help improve your approach to your
LRU testing needs, from incorporating more COTS-based hardware and software in highly customized
systems from Bloomy, to achieving new types of business-level impacts using the innovative Systems
on Demand from NI’s strategic collaboration with SET GmbH and Tech180.

“Conventional approaches for aerospace and defense test are badly


outdated and in need of disruption. Engineers and enterprises are looking
for new ways to leverage test as a competitive advantage, using it to
reduce costs and accelerate product introductions while maintaining
agility and equipment utilization. We are confident that NI’s
collaboration with SET and Tech180 will deliver the right approach and
system-level capability necessary for our customers to meet test
requirements at an accelerated rate.”
Luke Schreier, VP and GM Aerospace, Defense, and Government, NI

PAGE | 3 NI.COM/LRUTS SEPTEMBER 2021


LRU HIL TEST SYSTEMS SOLUTION BROCHURE

LRU HIL Test System Overview


HIL test systems comprise a series of different modular, COTS-based hardware and software
components. These components are similar across different size test systems.

Figure 1. Key Hardware and Software Components of a Hardware-in-the-Loop Test System

By building on this base of components, a variety of systems can be constructed, from smaller HIL
systems at the desktop level to large, multi-42U and beyond rack systems to test at the full systems
integration-lab level.

Figure 2. Test Systems That Scale to Requirements Based on a Modular Approach Backed by NI Hardware and
Software

PAGE | 4 NI.COM/LRUTS SEPTEMBER 2021


LRU HIL TEST SYSTEMS SOLUTION BROCHURE

LRU Test Systems – Solution Delivery Formats


Historically, there have been two choices available to test complex LRU software: design, build, and
integrate systems in-house, or acquire turn-key systems that are built or modified to meet requirements
and specifications.

A long-time challenge has been meeting a variety of often competing goals when internal and market
constraints exist. Goals, or rather desired outcomes, can normally be categorized into some versions of
the following list. One may have all or a subset of these as desired outcomes:

▪ Open and customizable


▪ Readily reconfigurable, Test Asset Reuse
▪ Sustainment, Obsolescence, Version Management
▪ Consistent user experience, training, support, documentation
▪ Decrease NRE
▪ Decrease CapEX
▪ Decrease Total Cost of Test
▪ Decrease tester build schedule
▪ Decrease Time-to-Market

Additionally, while pursuing these goals, risk is often one of the most important decision criteria.
Increasing risk is usually something that will determine what is and is not going to be done. As shown in
Figure 3, having two historical choices with little overlap in value limits the likelihood of you achieving
your desired outcomes.

Figure 3. Historical Choices Limit Likelihood of Achieving Desired Outcomes

PAGE | 5 NI.COM/LRUTS SEPTEMBER 2021


LRU HIL TEST SYSTEMS SOLUTION BROCHURE

NI, through our Strategic Collaborations and joint investments with SET GmbH and Tech180, has developed an expanded set of choices that
enable achievement of more desired outcomes. These choices are provided by a spectrum of delivery formats that can be customized to
account for individual situations. Delivery formats can also be mixed-and-matched as required.

These expanded delivery formats are:

▪ NI LRU Test System Reference Architecture


▪ System-on-Demand Signal Path Implementation
▪ System-on-Demand System Build –
This delivery format is highly customizable for specific needs. It may include a complete turnkey system, a partial system, design services, etc.

Table 1. Comparison of Delivery Formats


Item NI Parts Order Tech180 Parts Order NI Reference Architecture Signal Path Implementation System Build
BOM Per Product Only ● Per Signal Path ● ● Not Included ○
○ ◑ ○ ● ● ◑
Documentation

Reorderable Single Part Number Optional


Product Documentation ● ● Per Signal Path ● ● Included ●
Subsystem Assembly Documentation ○ ◑ Per Signal Path ● ●
Rack Assembly Documentation ○ ○ ○ ○ ◑
Pintrace ○ ○ Partial Per Signal Path ◑ ●
System User Manual ○ ○ ○ ○ ●
PXI Subsystem Build ◑ ◑ ◑ ◑ ●
SLSC Subsystem Build ○ ◑ ○ ◑ ●
Mass Interconnect Option ○ ◑ ○ ◑ ●
○ ○ ○ ◑ ◑
Build

Power Subsystem Option


Custom Rack Components ○ ○ ○ ○ ◑
Custom Build Delivery Format ○ ○ ○ ◑ ◑
UUT Harness ○ ○ ○ ◑ ◑
Rack Build ○ ○ ○ ○ ◑
Tech180 Standard Signal Types ○ ○ Limited Type Offering ● ●
○ ◑ ◑ ◑
Signals & Test

Custom Signal Types Limited Guidance Provided


Tech180 Standard System Test ○ ○ Signal Path Specs Validated ● ●
Custom System Test ○ ○ ○ ◑ ◑
Self-Test ○ ○ ○ ○ ◑
Integration Services
Item ○
NI Parts Order ○ ○ ○
Tech180 Parts Order NI Reference Architecture Signal Path Implementation System Build ◑
Linux RT Software
BOM Drivers
Per Product Only ◑● Drivers and VeriStand
Per Signal Path ● ◑ ● ◑ Not Included ○
○ ○ ○◑ ○○ ● ◑ ◑
SW

VeriStandReorderable
System Definition ● ◑
Documentation

Single Part Number Optional


Custom Software
Product Documentation ○ ● ○● ○ Path
Per Signal ● ◑ ● ◑ Included ●
Subsystem Assembly Documentation ○ ◑ Per Signal Path ● ●
Rack Assembly Documentation ○ ○ ○ ○ ◑
Pintrace ○ ○ Partial Per Signal Path ◑ ●
System User Manual ○ ○ ○ ○ ●
PXI Subsystem Build ◑ ◑ ◑ ◑ ●
SLSC Subsystem Build ○ ◑ ○ ◑ ●
PAGE | 6 NI.COM/LRUTS SEPTEMBER 2021
Mass Interconnect Option ○ ◑ ○ ◑ ●
○ ○ ○ ◑ ◑
Build

Power Subsystem Option


Custom Rack Components ○ ○ ○ ○ ◑
Custom Build Delivery Format ○ ○ ○ ◑ ◑
LRU HIL TEST SYSTEMS SOLUTION BROCHURE

System-on-Demand (SoD) is an innovative process and methodology that enables this approach to
achieve more outcomes as is shown in Figure 4. System-on-Demand and the solution delivery formats
include:

▪ Use an open, standardized system architecture


▪ Are modular and reconfigurable
▪ Utilize little or no custom wiring
▪ Has complete, auto-generated system documentation
▪ Optionally includes self-test
▪ Can evolve to multiple phases of the product life cycle

Figure 4. Comparison of Outcomes that can be Achieved

This is all accomplished through the System-on-Demand process and methodology which includes the
synthesis of test systems from requirements. A simplified illustration of this process is shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5. SET GmbH and Tech180 System-on-Demand Process

PAGE | 7 NI.COM/LRUTS SEPTEMBER 2021


LRU HIL TEST SYSTEMS SOLUTION BROCHURE

Each test system is consistent in design, in interfaces, and in the hardware and software used. This
simplifies support, obsolescence management, training, and so forth across the globe. The speed at
which test systems can be developed and the point at which test systems can be made available in the
design and test process are key aspects to how this can enable more outcomes to be achieved while
simultaneously reducing risk.

Figure 6 shows a simplified project timeline. Allotted times for test equipment and test development are
often compressed due to the realities of the product design cycle. Heroic efforts have been made over
the years by the test teams to optimize the development of test equipment and test procedures. There is
simply not much room left for optimizations, yet these organizations are regularly asked to cut costs and
schedules while meeting the testing requirements of increasingly complex UUTs.

Figure 6. The Reality of a Program/Product Lifecycle

System-on-Demand enables a new picture to be created. As shown in Figure 7, test systems


synthesized from requirements, that are modular, reconfigurable, extensible, open, and customizable,
de-risk the development of the test equipment. The tester design can be rapidly updated and new
documentation provided in days. An interface model of the tester can also be provided, enabling test
development to begin and proceed earlier in the design cycle. When the requirements finally settle, the
physical tester can be delivered very rapidly.

Figure 7. Parallelized Product Development & Test

PAGE | 8 NI.COM/LRUTS SEPTEMBER 2021


LRU HIL TEST SYSTEMS SOLUTION BROCHURE

A “core system” is a system that can be built using purely off-the-shelf components and subsystems from the System-on-Demand catalog.
Changes to the core system definition can be made as the product evolves. IO or test capabilities and requirements that are not part of the
catalog can be delayed and provided once the UUT design has been finalized.

This System-on-Demand process greatly reduces the risk that is inherent in creating test equipment for these complex UUTs/LRUs. The creation
of the test equipment does not need to be delayed until the UUT is finalized.

To learn more about SET GmbH and Tech180, please refer to their specific sections of this brochure.

Table 2 displays a matrix of what is included with each of the different solution delivery formats.

Table 2. Matrix of the Solution Delivery Format Contents

PAGE | 9 NI.COM/LRUTS SEPTEMBER 2021


LRU HIL TEST SYSTEMS SOLUTION BROCHURE

Systems-on-Demand from SET GmbH


At SET, we’re committed to ensuring our customers’ success by integrating cutting-edge technology
with tried-and-true best practices for test. As both a developer and manufacturer for flight certified
electronics and a specialist in aerospace electronics test systems, we bring a deep understanding of the
full development process and the major challenges on both sides.

Given the scope of our expertise, we see a wide range of changes and major challenges, not only in
new markets like urban air mobility but also throughout the entire aerospace industry, including:

▪ Shorter time to market


▪ Requirements identified too late
▪ Subsequent changes
▪ High risk to timeline, budget,
and resources
▪ Accepting test system too close
to deadline
▪ Obsolescence management
▪ Test systems that are not
expandable

It’s time to fundamentally change the way the aviation industry develops and tests products. That’s why
we’ve partnered with the best suppliers in the industry to invent System on Demand (SoD). SoD is an
agile, standardized principle to design aerospace test solutions. It shifts the focus away from technical-
only solutions to a proven automated design process that tackles our customers’ real issues: time,
budget, and flexibility.

Key Benefits of System on Demand


From ICD to Offer in 3 Days
It often takes a long time before all requirements of a test system are
known. We generate the offer from your ICD. By including the signal
specification in the offer already, risks up to the CDR can be eliminated
before ordering! And you can easily add new requirements later.

HIL Test System in 12 Weeks


With SoD, we enable lead times of 12 to 15 weeks, so test systems are
available in the shortest possible time. Plus, the entire design
documentation and specification is available soon after the project starts.
Our customers already receive the complete simulation environment for
test implementation after finishing the design.

Over 70 Predefined and Validated Signals


We’ve predeveloped and standardized over 70 of the most common
signal types as part of our architecture. This allows us to use pre-validated signals removing any development and
testing risk from your project. The pin trace is also known from the beginning.

PAGE | 10 NI.COM/LRUTS SEPTEMBER 2021


LRU HIL TEST SYSTEMS SOLUTION BROCHURE

Changes Are Possible at Any Time


Changes happen all the time in product development, but, with us, you don’t have to worry about them.
If requirements are unknown at the beginning of the project or change later, we can quickly and easily
incorporate them into our configuration. Thanks to our iterative design process, your timeline doesn’t
have to shift.

Transparent Budget and Reliable Timeline


Through the entire configuration in the offer phase, the system, its performance, and contents are clear
from the beginning. We can give an exact delivery time directly with the offer.

COTS-Based Open Architecture


We rely on NI’s proven and established hardware and software solutions.This ensures your
obsolescence and spare parts availability and removes any development risks from the project. You can
access the entire product portfolio at any time and adapt or expand it with the flexible architecture.

Reuseable Test System Design


Until now, a new test system had to be purchased for each new UUT because they could usually not be
reused. Now they can! Provide us with your new ICD, and we’ll analyze the interfaces to be extended.
We’ll then send you the additionally required hardware and software or directly integrate it for you. This
way you secure your investment for future UUTs and significantly reduce the total cost of ownership in
the actual and upcoming programs.

Product Ownership In-House


Only those who understand their test system are prepared to independently adapt their assets to rapidly
changing market requirements. But in order to do that, companies had to elaborately devolop aerospace
test systems in-house—until now. With SoD, you can receive a complete overview of all signals in
hardware and software, so the full test system knowhow stays in your company.

Complete System Integration


We not only support the development and validation of LRUs but also the subsequent qualification with
customer-specific system integration rigs, providing for fast integration and test execution—as modular
and open as our HiLs.

About Us
Since its foundation in 2001, SET has been growing continuously and today employs over 100 people at
four locations in Germany and the United States. As a specialist in aerospace electronics test systems
and as an aerospace development company, SET is EN9100 certified and delivers in series to
European commercial aircraft.

Learn more at smart-e-tech.de/en/

PAGE | 11 NI.COM/LRUTS SEPTEMBER 2021


LRU HIL TEST SYSTEMS SOLUTION BROCHURE

Systems-on-Demand from Tech180


You’re an innovator in aerospace products. We’re innovators in aerospace testing.
Together, we can solve the world’s toughest challenges faster.

As flight-certified and similar products become more complex, the time necessary to meet test coverage
requirements goes up as well. You’ll need test systems sooner to keep your program on schedule and
on budget, and the old ways of building test systems won’t cut it anymore.

In an ideal world, your project timeline is


front-loaded. You start with common pieces,
integrate long-lead customizations, and then
tackle test, fixes, and integration rework.

In reality, your labor and risk get pushed to the


right. Delays in inputs and rework from
requirements churn lead to a last-minute rush.
Costs go up as deadlines loom.

Tech180 has the answer.

We’re not just a systems integrator. We’re your test partner, helping
you turn testing into a competitive advantage. Our solution starts with
agile development. Instead of waiting for your product to mature in
order to start your test system design through a slow waterfall
process, we can design, build, and validate portions of a test system
requirement by requirement as your design matures. We can even
synthesize test system requirements directly from product
requirements so you can get the test system you need with a reduced
statement of work.

PAGE | 12 NI.COM/LRUTS SEPTEMBER 2021


LRU HIL TEST SYSTEMS SOLUTION BROCHURE

Tech180 produces systems with the most


modular, open test architecture available. Our
reconfigurable platform uses off-the-shelf
hardware to drastically reduce the NRE
necessary for custom product requirements. On-
demand reconfiguration helps you meet the
testing needs of multiple product lines, increasing
hardware utilization and decreasing lifetime
ownership cost.

While we certainly can provide test systems with


off-the-shelf test executives, we can also support
your legacy software workflows. Our I/O server
approach with shared memory interface enables
lab hardware upgrades without impacts on the
existing software environment, so you don’t have
to choose between outdated hardware and
endless software updates. We provide a single
driver that uses generic physical layers to
exchange data between hardware and software
so your software won’t even know it’s talking to
different hardware. This breaks the dependency
of third-party hardware drivers on your software
environment, reducing the maintenance and
obsolescence challenges as hardware evolves.

We give you back time and money through


systems available sooner with decreased NRE
and less risk. All of this ensures that you get the
test coverage you need, where and when you
need it, so you can focus less on testing and more on what matters most: your product.

The future of flight is right around the corner, but the future of test has already arrived.

Tech180 Benefits in a Nutshell


▪ Agile development process reduces risk and delivers systems sooner
▪ Modular, reconfigurable platforms support multiple product lines
▪ Off-the-shelf components have all been tested together to decrease NRE
▪ Hardware abstraction layer preserves existing software environments

About Us
Tech180 is a fast-growing tech company that’s advancing the future of aerospace engineering by
creating the most modular test systems on the market. Our reconfigurable platform reduces the time
and effort needed to translate product requirements into a test system specification, resulting in high-
quality systems that are available sooner.

Move toward the ideal with Tech180 reconfigurable on-demand systems.

Learn more at tech180.us

PAGE | 13 NI.COM/LRUTS SEPTEMBER 2021


LRU HIL TEST SYSTEMS SOLUTION BROCHURE

NI LRU Test System (LRUTS) Reference


Architecture
The NI LRU Test System Reference Architecture is a key enabling technology and
product. The reference architecture is a set of core system components that have
been designed, built, tested, and validated by NI to meet documented
specifications. These system components are documented in the NI LRU Test
System Reference Architecture User Manual. The reference architecture is a
supported product from NI.

Some key aspects of the Reference Architecture are its standardized and modular
connectivity scheme including pinouts, signal banking, standardized connectors,
and cables. The connectivity scheme is a primary attribute of enabling a modular,
scalable, extensible architecture.

The User Manual documents the signal types and communication interfaces that are supported, the
theory of operation, the connections, the bill-of-materials, the specifications, and the supporting software
amongst other required information. Customization of the signal path, including fault insertion, new
capabilities using FPGAs, etc. is also described.

Figure 8. Example Digital IO Signal Path

The User Manual provide you with what you need to begin designing and building LRU test systems
using the modular, standardized, open architecture that is also part of the Systems-on-Demand solution
delivery formats.

Figure 9. Example Specifications and Diagrams

PAGE | 14 NI.COM/LRUTS SEPTEMBER 2021


LRU HIL TEST SYSTEMS SOLUTION BROCHURE

LRU HIL Run-Time System-Level Architecture


NI has purpose-built these modular components so they come together to form the signal-flow portion of
an HIL system. This modularity supports a more agile approach to the systems design, modification,
and sustainment of these complex test systems.

Figure 10. Signal-Flow Architecture of a Modular and Flexible HIL Test System

LRU HIL System Software

Figure 11. NI Application Software for HIL Test Systems

Real-Time Test Software and Model Integration—VeriStand


VeriStand is an application software environment for configuring and executing real-time test and HIL
applications. It can help you construct a multicore-ready
real-time engine to execute tasks such as real-time
stimulus generation, data acquisition for high-speed and
conditioned measurements, calculated channels, and
custom channel scaling—out of the box. VeriStand runs
on NI’s industry standard Linux RT.

VeriStand can also import control algorithms, simulation


models, and other tasks from both LabVIEW and third-
party environments. VeriStand supports MathWorks
Simulink® software and other modeling tools using the
FMI industry standard. You can monitor and interact with

PAGE | 15 NI.COM/LRUTS SEPTEMBER 2021


LRU HIL TEST SYSTEMS SOLUTION BROCHURE

these tasks using a run-time editable user interface that includes tools for value forcing, alarm
monitoring, I/O calibration, and stimulus profile editing. You can customize and extend VeriStand with a
variety of software environments such as LabVIEW, ANSI C/C++, ASAM XIL, and others for modeling
and programming.

VeriStand is architected to have a real-time engine that runs independently from the user interface to
ensure the determinism of the system you’re running. You can use VeriStand to interface with another
compute environment and application software using shared memory to preserve any needed
compatibility unique to your requirements.

Figure 12. VeriStand Coordinates and Deploys Models across Different Processors

Test Sequencing and Test Management Executive Software—


TestStand
TestStand is ready-to-run test management software designed to help you quickly develop and execute
transaction processing system (TPS) software. You can extend TPS functionality by developing
TestStand test sequences that integrate code modules written in a variety of programming languages,
including G in LabVIEW, C/C++, .NET, and Python. TestStand also provides extensible plug-ins for
reporting, database logging, and connectivity to other enterprise systems. You can deploy test systems
to production with easy-to-use operator interfaces.

Additionally, you can use the TestStand Tool


Qualification solutions from Genuen to assist in
achieving DO-178C test qualifications, saving time
and money on each program.

Key Benefits
▪ Customize test sequences to meet every
requirement
▪ Automate saving and reporting test data
▪ Increase test throughput with parallel testing
▪ Efficiently replicate and deploy test systems
▪ Troubleshoot test systems with integrated
debugging tools
▪ Customize user interfaces to meet testing needs

PAGE | 16 NI.COM/LRUTS SEPTEMBER 2021


LRU HIL TEST SYSTEMS SOLUTION BROCHURE

LRU HIL System Hardware Components and I/O


An LRU HIL test system is complex and built from a large number of electrical, mechanical, and
interconnect components.

Figure 13. Conceptual LRU HIL Test Rack

Acquire, Process, and Interpret Data—NI PXI/PXI Express


PXI is a PC-based industrialized system that combines PCI Express electrical-bus features, a modular
chassis, and I/O synchronization technology with user-defined or application-specific test software. PXI
is an open industry standard governed by the PXI Systems Alliance, a group of more than 70 global test
companies. NI was one of the pioneer companies in the formation of PXI and is recognized as a leader
in PXI test and measurement devices.

Instrumentation available in PXI/PXI Express form factor includes:

▪ Analog and digital I/O ▪ Programmable DC power supply


▪ Digital multimeter ▪ Electronic load
▪ Oscilloscope/digitizer ▪ Instrument control and synchronization
▪ Waveform generator ▪ FPGA processing board
▪ Switch and timing/synchronization
▪ Source measure unit (SMU)

PAGE | 17 NI.COM/LRUTS SEPTEMBER 2021


LRU HIL TEST SYSTEMS SOLUTION BROCHURE

Real-Time, Embedded and Rack Mount Controllers


PXI Express embedded controllers contain everything you need to run your PXI system without an
external PC. They typically run a real-time operating system, such as NI’s industry standard Linux RT
while rack mount controllers run the user interface and host operating system.

Figure 14. Range of PXI Express Controllers and Chassis to Meet Your Needs

Rack-mount controllers feature high-performance multicore processors, up to 32 GB of dual-channel


DDR2 RAM, and optional RAID hard drive configurations for high-speed streaming to disk. These
devices offer hot-swappable fans and options for redundant power supplies. These rack mount
controllers for PXI are designed for mission-critical, physically demanding applications.

Figure 15. Range of Rack-Mount Controllers

PAGE | 18 NI.COM/LRUTS SEPTEMBER 2021


LRU HIL TEST SYSTEMS SOLUTION BROCHURE

PXI/PXI Express Instrumentation, Buses, Communications, and


FPGAs
NI offers more than 600 PXI modules, ranging from DC to mmWave. Because PXI is an open industry
standard, nearly 1,500 products are available from more than 70 different instrument vendors. With
standard processing and control functions designated to a controller, PXI instruments need only contain
the actual instrumentation circuitry, achieving effective performance in a small footprint.

Avionics Buses
Avionics Communication Bus modules provide native support for
protocols such as MIL-STD-1553 and ARINC 429. Use these products
to simulate and enable communication with your UUT.

Serial and High-Speed Serial


Use for other standards or custom serial communication protocols.

FPGA
Provide high-performance I/O and powerful FPGAs for applications that
require more than standard instruments can offer. Program with
LabVIEW FPGA or Xilinx Vivado. Run model simulations and perform
in-line data processing.

Digital I/O
Read and write switch states and binary logic. Detect open and closed
states. Interpret CMOS TTL logic levels up to 28 V logic signals. Track
counter based or encoder measurements.

Analog I/O
Interpret instrument level conditioned sensor measurements. Read and
write the voltage levels for sensors. Analyze pressure and position
measurements.

Data Acquisition
Data Acquiaition modules measure electrical or physical phenomena
with a mix of analog I/O, digital I/O, counter/timer, and trigger
functionality.

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LRU HIL TEST SYSTEMS SOLUTION BROCHURE

Transform Signals—NI SLSC


Switch Load and Signal Conditioning, or SLSC, is a key
aspect to the NIL LRU HIL product family. SLSC
standardizes connectivity and provides a modular
approach to signal conditioning, fault insertion, routing,
and I/O simulation that typically require more power or
space for circuitry than allowed by the PXI standard.
The SLSC platform includes standardized interfaces
and connectivity to modularize and simplify the
complexity of HIL systems. This eliminates most point-
to-point wiring and terminal block usage. A module development kit (MDK) is also available for defining
custom SLSC modules.

Switching, Routing, and Faulting


Designate signal connections and path possibilities. Switching—
determine which path is active. Faulting— route to fault sinks or
endpoints.

I/O Simulations
Replicate the electrical component behavior of complex sensor
signals. Simulate sensors like VDT or thermocouples, resistors, and
more. Custom capabilities like PWMs can be readily implemented on
the FPGA using LabVIEW FPGA.

Loads
Manage small loads on a single card. Combine with SLSC routing cards to reach higher level loads.
Simulate power draws from simulated resistive and RLC circuits.

Ecosystem SLSC Modules and Accessories


A variety of SLSC modules and accessories are also available from:

▪ SET (https:/www.smart-e-tech.de/en/products/signal-conditioning-with-slsc/ )
▪ Bloomy (https://www.bloomy.com/products/slsc-and-crio-modules-and-accessories).

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LRU HIL TEST SYSTEMS SOLUTION BROCHURE

Programmable Power-Supply Devices


Built for automated test, rack-mount power supplies provide programmable DC power in either full or 1/6
rack-width, rack-mount form factors. The RMX-412x models offer up to 1,500 watts of power in a 1U,
full-rack form factor with flexible voltage and current limits ranging up to 650 VDC or 150 A, making
them ideal for test systems that require large amounts of power with a broad range of voltage and
current values. For applications requiring more than the specified voltage or current limits, you can
combine up to two devices in a series for higher voltage and up to four devices in parallel for higher
current. The RMX-410x models can source hundreds of watts in a compact 2U, 1/6 rack-width design,
ideal for test systems that need multiple power rails. Additionally, both series offer buttons and knobs for
interactive use, as well as USB, LAN, RS232, and analog control options for remote or automated use .

Electronic Load Devices


Built for automated test and
measurement, Electronic Load Devices
can sink power at various current and
voltage levels for power supply design,
quality inspection, and functional tests.
Their modular design and multiple
operating modes help them simulate the
real load that a power source sees in its
actual application. They also feature
buttons and knobs for interactive use, as
well as USB or RS232 interface options
for automation. You can connect multiple
loads in parallel to increase your
system’s overall power capacity.

PAGE | 21 NI.COM/LRUTS SEPTEMBER 2021


LRU HIL TEST SYSTEMS SOLUTION BROCHURE

Services and Support


NI provides several services and support options to help ensure your short-term and longer-term
success with our products. We’ve partnered with many aerospace and defense companies to provide
extended, long life-cycle support that can span decades.

BASIC CUSTOM

Software Support Access to Software Updates


Access to updates and bug fixes

Repair and Replacement 3–5 Days Replacement


Minimize downtime

Technical Support Technical Support 8x5


Resolve issues quickly Scope is defined
with customer on a
Field and Remote Services case-by-case basis
Fixed maintenance cost

Life-Cycle Management Standard Product Notifications


Mitigate obsolescence risk

On-Demand Training Online Operator and


Ensure user success Maintenance Training

OPTIONS

Laboratory Calibration
Calibration On-Site Calibration
Quality measurements and traceability
Calibration Replacement

Bring-Up Assistance On-Site or Remote Tester Bring-Up


Hassle-free commissioning

Training Private Classroom (On-Site or Virtual) for Operator and


Ensure user success Maintenance Training

Integration Services, Technology Refresh, and Upgrade


Assistance
Professional Services Consulting Services
Resident Engineer

PAGE | 22 NI.COM/LRUTS SEPTEMBER 2021


LRU HIL TEST SYSTEMS SOLUTION BROCHURE

LRUTS Reference Architecture Partner Ecosystem


We work closely with our uniquely qualified partners so that our customers see the greatest return on
investment from their HIL test systems. Bloomy is a high-value partner who provides great solutions,
especially for those with highly custom needs. Bloomy is well versed in NI products and the NI LRU Test
System Reference Architecture.

Bloomy
You know that deploying a LRU validation system is much more than buying a rack of equipment. It’s designing
before requirements are complete and incorporating changes after the design is done. It’s controlling program risk
while using untried test solutions. It’s using yesterday’s technologies to create the systems of tomorrow. It’s solving
a myriad of challenges every day.

During Bloomy’s 30+ years of experience delivering highly-complex COTS-based test systems for mission-critical
programs, we’ve developed a deep understanding of these challenges, and we’ve solved them by creating an
extensive portfolio of efficient processes and highly-integrated solutions. Our expertise allows us to partner with
customers to leverage the breadth of our experience, resolving each unique challenge. In fact, NI tapped Bloomy to
codevelop SLSC and provide the first LRU validation systems using this transformative new technology. With each
system we deploy, whether it’s a simple single-unit validation system or a complex SIL with thousands of channels,
high-performance digital buses and high-fidelity models, we help our customers reduce risk, schedule, and cost.

Learn how we can partner to improve your test system experience, too! Visit bloomy.com today.

Our solutions range from single UUT We can add value to any point in your Bloomy’s comprehensive life-cycle
systems to multi-UUT SILs, and our 80 verification and validation process, support services include require-ments
percent application-ready solutions whether supplying only a test system or development through Total Productive
dramatically reduce system lead times working with you from concept through Maintenance and ob-solescence
and costs. certification. management.

NI and Primes utilize Bloomy’s expertise Bloomy’s experience with many types of As a company focused solely on test
and HIL Technology Migration Lab, a project and program management, from solutions, we’ve amassed extensive
Bloomy system available to our agile to waterfall, allows us to engage with resources, capabilities, and IP, enabling
customers, to reduce upgrade cycle risk. your team faster, with less risk. us to take on your most demanding HIL
projects.

As a fully US owned and operated Our 30+ year track record of outstanding With extensive production and integration
company, we conform to strict standards service shows that we’re able to support facilities, Bloomy is equipped to handle
of defense and cybersecurity long lifespan, multidecade programs. your largest multi-UUT development
requirements. programs.

PAGE | 23 NI.COM/LRUTS SEPTEMBER 2021


LRU HIL TEST SYSTEMS SOLUTION BROCHURE

Expertise for All Phases of the Test System Life Cycle


The traditional test organization “does it all,” developing highly-specialized test
equipment and developing product test engineering expertise. But since Bloomy
introduced our mil/aero HIL architecture using the SLSC platform, test
organizations of all sizes have another option: focus their test engineers on
improving fidelity, coverage, and reliability of their products while using Bloomy’s
expertise to enhance the process of deploying test systems. Bloomy provides
systems expertise—everything from codeveloping requirements to deployment and
life-cycle management—for all your HIL needs.

Your IP Deserves Defense-Grade Protection


Your IP differentiates you from your competitors and deserves the same careful
handling that the DoD requires. Defense, Prime, and Tier 1 organizations all count
on Bloomy to provide automated test solutions, and as the mil-aero industrial
complex continually increases its attention on security, so do we. We have invested heavily in CMMC
Level 3, ITAR, and NOFORN and have expansive ITAR-compliant integration and lab space dedicated
to supporting proprietary UUTs and systems to the benefit of both military and commercial customers.

Solutions for Systems of All Sizes


Whether you’re testing one LRU, or building a SIL or an iron bird, Bloomy delivers high-fidelity solutions
which ensure full coverage of your requirements. Our proven solutions for flight controls, avionics,
engine controls, autonomous submarines, and other mission-critical controls have
been used in systems of all sizes and complexities. Our expertise developing
highly-complex COTS HIL systems is unparalleled, so you can be sure that
Bloomy will meet your system needs of any size or complexity.

Real-World Results
Bloomy’s systems have reduced test times by 30 percent over legacy automated
test solutions. When Bloomy delivers a test system to a customer, we provide the
documentation, designs, and software code, no matter the customer or
application. Whereas other companies lock you into using their services for any
change, large or small, Bloomy frees you to update, examine, modify, and self-
maintain your systems. And because the software is a widely-supported COTS
toolchain with LabVIEW at its core, the learning curve is dramatically eased. As a
result, change is in your power.

Your System, Your IP

Learn more at bloomy.com

PAGE | 24 NI.COM/LRUTS SEPTEMBER 2021


LRU HIL TEST SYSTEMS SOLUTION BROCHURE

For Additional Information


NI Aerospace and Defense Exchange Forum Webcasts
▪ We Got Tired of Reinventing the Wheel—So Now We Build SILs Using COTS Technologies! Find Out
How!

Customer and Partner Success Stories


▪ EMBRAER Performs Full Airplane Simulation Using NI HIL Tools
▪ Saab Elevates Testing of the World’s Most Cost-Effective Fighter Plane
▪ Tech180 on Using NI SLSC in LRU Test Systems

From Our Partners


▪ SET Video Series Aviation & System On Demand (German) (English)
▪ Tech180 – Test System Architecture Video Series
▪ Bloomy, white papers, case studies, presentations and videos

2021 NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS, NI, NI.COM, LABVIEW, TESTSTAND, AND
VERISTAND ARE TRADEMARKS OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION. OTHER PRODUCT AND COMPANY NAMES LISTED ARE
TRADEMARKS OR TRADE NAMES OF THEIR RESPECTIVE COMPANIES.
AN NI PARTNER IS A SEPARATE LEGAL COMPANY WHOSE DAILY OPERATIONS ARE NOT MANAGED BY NI, AND NI HAS NO
AGENCY RELATIONSHIP WITH ANY SUCH COMPANY. WE THEREFORE DISCLAIM ANY LIABILITY FOR THE BUSINESS ACTIVITIES
OF EACH NI PARTNER.
MATLAB® AND SIMULINK® ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF THE MATHWORKS, INC.
THE REGISTERED TRADEMARK LINUX® IS USED PURSUANT TO A SUBLICENSE FROM LMI, THE EXCLUSIVE LICENSEE OF LINUS
TORVALDS, OWNER OF THE MARK ON A WORLDWIDE BASIS.

Page | 25 NI.COM/LRUTS SEPTEMBER 2021

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