Design and Specification of a Local Area Network Architecture for Use in Real-Time Flight Simulation

摘要

This investigation examined the use of a Local Area Network (LAN) in the real-time environment of the Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory's Flight Control Development Laboratory (FCDL) flight simulation facility. Using the requirements of the FCDL's Manned Combat Station (MCS) project as a guideline, a LAN based on the Ethernet protocol specification was identified as suitable for use in the real-time flight simulation facility. Both the architecture and the performance of the Ethernet protocol were examined to make this conclusion. The selection of the Intel 82586 Local Communications Controller chip (which defaults to the Ethernet specification), the in-house design and manufacture of a Network Interface Board (NIB) using this chip, and the standard operating procedure for FCDL simulations allowed a software design to be completed for the control of the NIB. A recommended course of action for the FCDL is made for the eventual implementation of the proposed LAN and software design.