Development, integration, and test architecture for a software-based hardware-agnostic Fault Tolerant Flight Computer

Abstract

The advent of software-based fault tolerance presents a rare opportunity to create a new paradigm for support equipment architecture. This test system must be capable of servicing the development, integration, and test of hardware and software, allowing developers remote access to the units under test (UUT) throughout the integration and test process. Using mainly low-cost commercial off the shelf (COTS) hardware, the Charles Stark Draper Laboratory (CSDL) has created a platform and facility with these capabilities for use on a manned spaceflight program. The architecture allowed for testing of individual flight computers, as well as easily reconfigurable multi-channel systems for rapid remote software development and validation. Hardware configuration was managed and communicated to users electronically by a small group. While ultimately effective, problems arose in tracking and communicating equipment configuration, maintaining responsiveness to end-user needs, and equipment congestion. In response to these issues, CSDL has conceptualized a revised architecture featuring rack integration and software configurability. The effect of this approach is to evolve the existing design to reduce manpower and system downtime required to modify test setups for users' needs, improve ease of use for remote connections, provide scalability through COTS interface devices, and reduce footprint.