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overview

synchronized test instrumentation for analyzing and monitoring embedded systems for avionics

Current embedded systems are becoming increasingly more complex with multiple processors communicating over various media including backplanes, data busses and discrete signal lines. This complexity has generated a need for test tools that can provide visibility into how the embedded system operates from a “system-wide” perspective. This visibility is required to support initial system development as well as operation and maintenance of the system. The test tools also need to provide this visibility without introducing changes to the system’s operation. While there are many tools available for development and maintenance of the individual elements of the embedded system, there are few tools available to support the entire embedded system throughout the life cycle of the product.

SystemTrace has been designed to provide global visibility into embedded system operations by monitoring all key “data flow” components incorporated in the embedded system. This monitoring is accomplished using Real-Time Non-Intrusive (RTNI) techniques so that the act of monitoring does not affect the system operation. The data files collected at the key data flow points are “time-correlated” so that dependencies on actions among system elements can be observed and recorded in real-time for in-depth analysis. These time-correlated test files can then be used for multiple applications.

key features

  • Time-correlated, RTNI, scaleable, heterogeneous data collection


  • Simultaneous monitoring
    of multiple busses


  • Modular, distributed architecture


  • Long-term data
    aquisition storage

key benefits

  • A system-wide view of operations correlated-
    in-time aids analysis


  • RTNI monitoring does not
    affect system operation
    during measurements,
    thereby giving accurate
    results


  • Supports entire life-cycle
    of the instrumented
    embedded system,
    reducing instrumentation
    expense


  • Common interface for
    dissimilar targets saves
    time and training
    investment

The SystemTrace Chassis can hold two monitor probes with two connections on each probe. Users can monitor up to four connections of either MIL-STD-1553, VME, or a combination of both with each chassis.

SystemTrace Chassis

"Maintenance of embedded real-time systems is by far the largest cost element in the life cycle of DoD systems. ITCN’s SystemTrace significantly reduces the time required to understand the cause of system problems. Legacy systems require multiple tools with multiple interfaces and an engineering effort to coordinate the operator’s control and collection of input data. SystemTrace provides a single interface for the test operator to setup and monitor a complete system performing at full speed. The operator is able to monitor the system in the normal environment with minimal or no intrusion, resulting in life cycle cost savings and improved system performance."   from DOD SBIR Success Stories, April 2008

Diagram of module system interface. The SystemTrace can link multiple MIL-STD-1553 and VME monitoring modules to simultaneously view all the data streams in real-time. No other test equipment on the market today can do that. View Details for the SystemTrace MIL-STD-1553 Probe view details about the VME backplane monitor
SystemTrace Modules

Multiple MIL-STD-1553, VME and custom modules can be connected to the SystemTrace for simultaneous real-time monitoring, test and analysis.

 

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