RUDI: A Computer-Controlled Test-Data-Acquisition and Processing System

A data-acquisition system built around a multiprogrammed SEL-810A digital computer is used by the RCA-Astro-Electronics Division (AED) Environmental Test Center, Princeton, N. J., for the acquisition and processing of quasi-static signals originating from a variety of analog transducers during spacecraft environmental simulation tests. The system gathers analog data with the aid of three mobile instrumentation carts located at the test site and generates data logs for both magnetic tape and hardcopy printout. Because of the slowly varying data, high scan rates were of no particular importance; instead, prime targets were assurance of data integrity, speedy setup operations, accomodation of a large variety of transducers, and order and flexibility in data presentation. System accuracy excluding transducers is 0.25 percent of full scale (FS). Measurement results obtained at 200 channels/s are presented in selectable formats primarily on a line printer directly in engineering units. Three unrelated test activities can be accommodated simultaneously without mutual dependence or interference and a total of 750 channels can be processed. Setup information, test directives, and real-time test monitoring are handled with the aid of interactive communications in English memonics.