EuroSim Applications - End-to-End Avionics Test Bench

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End-to-End Avionics System Test Bench

Objective

The End-to-End Avionics System Test Bench (E2E-ATB) is a facility initiated by and located at ESTEC, with the scope of providing the tools and methods for supporting the validation in context of a realistic closed-loop Attitude and Orbit Control System (AOCS) of a typical earth observation satellite. Parts of the ATB were previously known as Virtual Spacecraft Reference Facility (VSRF).

Context

The E2E-ATB project defines an evolutionary approach to achieve a reusable simulator system. The facility consists of the following configurations, reflecting increasing levels of sophistication in the modelling, and finally in the inclusion of an on-board computer breadboard in the realtime test bench:

Avionics Functional Simulation (AFS)
Functional Validation Bench (FVB)
Software Verification Facility (SVF)
Real-time Bench (RTB)

Dutch Space B.V. was responsible for the simulator and overall system development, evolution and maintenance since its conceptual phase. The RTB (hardware-in-the-loop capability) has been completed in 2010. The work was performed together with Sener (AOCS design) and Terma (onboard software and SVF), and ESTEC engineers.

Role of EuroSim

The E2E-ATB is utilizing EuroSim as the real-time simulation platform in all configurations, apart from the AFS which uses Matlab/Simulink for the modelling. The Real-Time Test-Bench (RTB) supports closed loop execution of the avionics models with the On-Board Computer in the loop and is the most demanding configuration; its high-level architecture is depicted on the left. EuroSim was selected as it is designed to support projects throughout the project life-cyle, including the closed loop simulations with hardware-in-the-loop that occur during Design, Development and Test. The add-on tool MOSAIC was used to transform Matlab/Simulink models into real-time EuroSim models, and the Dutch Space AIM Mil1553 real-time driver was used to connect the simulator to the MIL1553 bus with the on board computer. Visualisation is provided using the EuroSim add-on OpenIGS, and facility operation is supported using SCOS2000.