MODERNIZATION OF THE DATA SYSTEM FOR THE NASA AMES RESEARCH CENTER ELECTRIC ARC SHOCK TUBE

摘要

Most older, purpose-built test systems incorporate data acquisition hardware that is fully capable ofrecording data with the speed and accuracy required for their particular test. However, what can oftenbecome a weak point of these systems is the software, which might not utilize the full capabilities of thedata acquisition equipment or keep up with the rapid advances of computer technology. Thus, iteventually compromises the speed and usability of the overall system. STRATOS (Shock TubeReintegrated Acquisition and Test Operating System) is designed as a modern, more user friendly, dataacquisition software to control and record data from hardware components already in use at the NASAAmes Research Center (ARC) Electric Arc Shock Tube (EAST) facility. This paper chronicles thedevelopment and integration of the new system software with existing GPIB equipment, updating andcombining two existing data acquisition systems and advocates a similar approach for other existingsystems. Integrating available hardware and developing new software for older systems was found to bea cost effective solution that can net improved speed and functionality, by enabling a system to use itsfull potential and incorporate new software-related features.