Firmware Analysis Test System

Engineering and technical personnel working on timing critical, multi-processor, firmware dependent systems, like the AN/SPY-1D(V) radar system, require state-of-the-art analysis tools for debug, timing analysis, modification, performance evaluation, utilization analysis, etc. With the advancement of flexible, firmware driven general purpose processors, commercial and DOD systems are being designed with arrays of processors. While this allows for great flexibility in implementing system modifications, it hinders the ability of the engineer or technician from analyzing problems and anomalies across the processors in the system. In order to meet the in-service engineering support requirements that multiprocessor Navy systems require, a tool must be developed that provides the engineer or technician the ability to view, observe and analyze firmware instructions and data in real-time across multiple processors. The driving force behind the development of the Firmware Analysis Test System (FATS) is to allow more comprehensive analysis of multiprocessor systems in the fleet. The FATS meets this requirement and would be invaluable in all phases of Navy programs: development, production, installation and maintenance. The FATS equipment will allow the Navy to improve performance of fielded systems at reduced costs. The Phase II objective is to develop a fully functional prototype FATS unit.