Digital Input/Output (I/O) Bus for Simulators

Traditional simulator data input / output systems have consisted of a myriad of I/O devices, often using manufacturer unique hardware and software (ASTTM, MSTTM, Adapted Ethernet, etc.), tailored to a solution for each device. On larger simulator platforms, the I/O systems often require large racks of electronics, which are not suitable for remote location near the operator control or device to which they interface, requiring bundles of cables from one location to another. On motion based simulators, this often creates high initial and maintenance costs to be incurred. These solutions do not fit well in a part task or portable trainer environment. With the advent of standard high speed serial busses, such as USB 2.0 and IEEE-1394 (FireWireTM) new opportunities exist for providing low cost, high performance I/O platforms suitable for the unique, real-time requirements of simulation. The focus of this study is to develop a system based upon at least one of these new serial bus technologies that will be applicable to all levels of simulator use.