Common-Event Network Test-Instrumentation System (CENTS) Program Status Review

摘要

The CENTS Program is a Central Test and Evaluation Investment Program (CTEIP) effort conducted by the 46th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. This project uses advanced internetworking technology to collect data unobtrusively from multiple Line Replaceable Units (LRU's) within an aircraft without the expense of running new wiring. The data is transported to a master network controller using the existing aircraft powerlines at a raw data rate of over 10 Mbits/s. Sensors are integrated into the shells of the LRU's data bus connectors to minimize the number of aircraft modifications required for a test. CENTS began in January 2000 as an OSD CTEIP Sponsored Test Technology Development and Demonstration (TTD&D) project and is currently in Phase 2 of the effort. Phase 1 saw the successful demonstration of the use of MIL-STD-704 power busses to establish a virtual network for data transport. This paper reviews the current status and past achievements of the CENTS TTD&D program as well as describing some immediate potential pay-offs for the Test and Evaluation community in the near-term.