Wireless Data Acquisition System for Launch Vehicles

Sabooj Ray; Jeba Arul Doss; Sheena Abraham; Pradeep N.; S. Prem Kumar

doi:10.14429/dsj.63.4262

Sabooj Ray Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Trivandrum
Jeba Arul Doss Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Trivandrum
Sheena Abraham Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Trivandrum
Pradeep N. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Trivandrum
S. Prem Kumar Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Trivandrum

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.63.4262

Keywords: Wireless, data acquisition, RF, bus controller, remote terminal, separation events, launch vehicle, radio frequency

Abstract

Present launch vehicle integration architecture for avionics uses wired link to transfer data between various sub-systems. Depending on system criticality and complexity, MIL1553 and RS485 are the common protocols that are adopted. These buses have their inherent complexity and failure issues due to harness defects or under adverse flight environments. To mitigate this problem, a prototype wireless, data acquisition system for telemetry applications has been developed and demonstrated. The wireless system simplifies the integration, while reducing weight and costs. Commercial applications of wireless systems are widespread. Few systems have recently been developed for complex and critical environments. Efforts have been underway to make such architectures operational in promising application scenarios. This paper discusses the system concept for adapting a wireless system to the existing bus topology. The protocol involved and the internal implementation of the different modules are described. The test results are presented; some of the issues faced are discussed and the; future course of action is identified.

Defence Science Journal, 2013, 63(2), pp.186-191, DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/dsj.63.4262

Author Biographies

Sabooj Ray, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Trivandrum

Mr Sabooj Ray has received his BTech from College of Engineering, Trivandrum and MTech (Elect. Design Tech.) from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. He joined VSSC in 2005 and specializes in the design and development of MEMS sensors, smart sensor networks, design of analog front-end electronics and digital data acquisition avionics at VSSC.

Jeba Arul Doss, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Trivandrum

Mr Jeba Arul Doss has received his BE (Electro. Comm. Engg.) from Madurai Kamaraj University and MTech (Elect. Design Tech.) from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. At VSSC, he has 8 years of experience in design and quality assurance of avionics and inertial systems of launch vehicles.

Sheena Abraham, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Trivandrum

Ms Sheena Abraham received her BTech (Electro. Comm. Engg.)from College of Engineering, Trivandrum and MTech (Elect. Design Tech.) from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. Presently she is heading the Electronics Miniaturization Section of Advanced Electronics Facilities Division at VSSC. Her area of specialization is advanced MEMS based sensor development, data acquisition system design, design of intelligent sensor networks and miniature electronic packaging design.

Pradeep N., Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Trivandrum

Mr Pradeep N. received his BTech(Electro. Comm. Engg.)from College of Engineering, Trivandrum. Presently, he Heads the Design and Development of Advanced Sensors and Data Acquisition Systems for Launch Vehicle applications. He has over 26 years of experience spanning areas of VLSI testing, Test and Evaluation of On-board Avionics subsystems and Development of Automated Test Stations.

S. Prem Kumar, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Trivandrum

Mr S. Premkumar is a graduate in BE (Electro. Comm. Engg.) from College of Engineering, Trivandrum. Currently, he is Group Director of Avionics Production and Parts Management Group of VSSC. He was instrumental in the design, development and realization of analog and power circuits, control electronics, and data acquisition systems for avionics and electronic systems for electric propulsion system for spacecrafts.