Minimizing the Software Re-design in Obsolescent Radar Processors with Functional Radar Simulation and Software Workshop.

摘要

Signal and Data processors are the sub-assemblies which are the most likely obsolescent parts in modern airborne Radars. As their architecture is based on multiple parallel COTS processors, the implementation of the algorithms in these processors is a costly and time consuming task which represents the most significant part of the cost when the sub-assembly has to be replaced due to component obsolescence. The use of a powerful software workshop is the way to dramatically cut the cost of the software redesign by an extended re-use policy. A significant improvement in the radar development cycle can be achieved through simulation techniques. These new tools and methodology enables to reduce costs and to shorten the radar modes development cycle. During the phase of specification, a functional radar prototype is completely independent of the processor hardware and survives to COTS obsolescence. During the phase of on- board functional software development, the functional prototype is re-used to simulate the machine architecture (processors in parallel, communications,) and the algorithms are optimized for the target processor hardware. During the testing phase, a cross test between the functional prototype and the on-board functional software can be performed by the re-use of the testing procedures. Also, the flight tests can be prepared by the simulation of the scenario to be played. The designer can be assisted by a tool for all this developments.