MICROPROCESSOR-BASED DIGITAL CONTROLLER FOR THE ADVANCED TELEMETRY TRACKING SYSTEM

• Main Author: ROSALES, MARCELO V.
• Other Authors: WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, NM
• Language: en_US
• Published: International Foundation for Telemetering 1991
• Subjects: Microprocessor; Real-Time Computing System; Tracking System Controller
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10150/613173; http://arizona.openrepository.com/arizona/handle/10150/613173

International Telemetering Conference Proceedings / November 04-07, 1991 / Riviera Hotel and Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada === This paper discusses the design and implementation of a microcomputer system that functions as the central processing unit for performing servo system control, tracking mode determination, operator interface, switching, and logic operations. The computer hardware consists of VMEbus compatible boards that include a Motorola 32-bit MC68020 microprocessor-based CPU board, and a variety of interface boards. The computer is connected to the Radio Frequency system, Antenna Control Unit, azimuth and elevation servo systems, and other systems of the Advanced Transportable Telemetry Acquisition System (TTAS-A) through extensive serial, analog, and digital input/output interfacing. The software platform consists of a commercially-acquired real-time multi-tasking operating system, and in-house developed device drivers and tracking system software. The operating system kernel is written in assembly language, while the application software is written using the C programming language. To enhance the operation of the TTAS-A, software was also developed to provide color graphics, CRT menus, printer listings, interactive real-time hardware/software diagnostics, and a GPIB (IEEE-488 bus) interface for Automated Testing System support.