Intelligent System for Abstraction and Integration of Instrumentation Hardware

KBSI proposes to design, develop, and deploy a language, suite of tools and a methodology to radically re-engineer how instrumentation and flight test engineers perform various design, validation, development, verification, and management of aircraft T&E instrumentation subsystem. In particular, we propose to develop the Instrumentation Hardware Abstraction Language (IHAL), an XML-based instrumentation hardware abstraction language that can support the definition of functional characteristics of any instrumentation subsystem at any functional or physical hierarchy as well as the physical, electrical, and protocol characteristics of digital interfaces among these components. We will also develop a component-based Intelligent System for Abstraction and Integration of Instrumentation Hardware (ISAIIH) software that will allow the user to specify an instrumentation system in terms of IHAL. The Phase I effort resulted in prototype IHAL language, ISAIIH tools and methodology that validated our approach for instrumentation design and management automation. Under the Phase II effort, we will (i) extend and standardize IHAL, (ii) develop reusable component-based ISAIIH tools that build off the Phase I implementation, (ii) use ISAIIH components to develop T&E applications, condition based maintenance and homeland security applications, and (iv) transition ISAIIH technology to the Edwards Air Force Base and other DOD T&E centers.