Experience with Synchronous and Asynchronous Digital Control Systems
Regenie, Victoria A. and Chacon, Claude V. and Lock, Wilton P. (1986) Experience with Synchronous and Asynchronous Digital Control Systems. Technical Report NASA TM-88271, Research Engineering, NASA Dryden Flight Research Center.
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Abstract
Flight control systems have undergone a revolution since the days of simple mechanical linkages; presently the most advanced systems are full-authority, full-time digital systems controlling unstable aircraft. With the use of advanced control sytems, the aerodynamic design can incorporate features that allow greater performance and fuel savings, as can be seen on the new Airbus design and advanced tactical fighter concepts. These advanced aircraft will be and are relying on the flight control system to provide the stability and handling qualities required for safe flight and to allow the pilot to control the aircraft. Various design philosophies have been proposed and followed to investigate system architectures for these advanced flight control systems. One major area of discussion is whether a multichannel digital control system should be synchronous or asynchronous. This paper addresses the flight experience at the Dryden Flight Research Facility of NASA's Ames Research Center with both synchronous and asynchronous digital flight control systems. Four different flight control systems are evaluated against criteria such as software reliability, cost increases, and schedule delays.
| EPrint Type: | NASA Technical Memorandum |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | Asynchronous systems, Digital flight control systems, Flight control system architecture, Synchronous systems |
| Subjects: | (01 - 09) Aeronautics: (08) Aircraft Stability And Control |
| ID Code: | 565 |
| Deposited On: | 27 January 2006 |
| Additional Information: | 19 pages. Prepared as AIAA-86-2239-CP for presentation at the AIAA Guidance, Navigationa, and Control Conference, Williamsburg, Virginia, August 18-20, 1986. |
