Product category:
Compliance Engineering
News Release from: Goepel Electronic | Subject: Scanflex tests space robots
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 09 April 2007
Space robots tested using Scanflex JTAG
products
Space robots are tested using a number of Scanflex boundary-scan tools, which make use of VarioCore technology for both the dynamic verification of sensors and the stimulation of sensor interfaces.
Goepel Electronic, a supplier of JTAG/boundary-scan systems, and the German Aerospace Centre DLR-RM (Deutsches Zentrum fuer Luft- und Raumfahrt, Institut fuer Robotik und Mechatronik) have developed applications using the new VarioCore technology for the test of space-related equipment The system is based on the Scanflex JTAG/boundary-scan hardware platform, using VarioCore modules as a reconfigurable interface for the flexible testing of the electronic peripherals of space robots
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 26 Jul 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Free online demo explains boundary scan
Goepel Electronic now offers a free virtual boundary scan demonstration on its website.
Test card simulates automotive switching
A new PXI card provides switch simulation and state monitoring of digital signals in automotive engineering applications.
"The selection of VarioCore as part of the test strategy for an impressive project such as space robots is an honour for us, and at the same time, an acknowledgement of the quality and performance of our Scanflex product line", says Thomas Wenzel, Managing Director Boundary Scan Division at Goepel Electronic.
"Additionally, we've gained experience within key strategic applications with this partnership, giving immediate benefit to future VarioCore product developments".
A docking tool for sensor-guided satellite capture, developed at the DLR Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics, supports the autonomous docking of telecommunication satellites in geosynchronised orbit.
Further reading
USB controller switches relays for ATE systems
The USB-M 48 USB controller allows users to control relays (up to 500mA primary current) directly from a PC via a standard USB interface.
One card tests multiple automotive buses
New from Goepel Electronic is a novel multiple-bus controller card for automotive applications worldwide.
Several docking-tool sensors ensure the collision-free insertion into the apogee motor nozzle of the client satellite, prior to the final docking.
These sensors have to undergo all the prescribed environmental tests such as vibration and thermal/vacuum, before the system can be launched into space.
The DLR project uses VarioCore for both the dynamic verification of sensors and the stimulation of sensor interfaces as independent IEEE1149.1 test runs.
The sole hardware test platform is a Scanflex JTAG/boundary-scan controller SFX/USL1149-B using a USB/LAN interface for TCK frequencies up to 50MHz, connected with a Scanflex TAP transceiver SFX-TAP2 and a Scanflex I/O module SFX5350.
After executing traditional boundary scan test and programming, SFX5350 is reconfigured "on the fly" with specific VarioCore-IPs, to be used as either a multichannel frequency generator or frequency counter, all taking a fraction of a second.
Further external instruments are no longer required, which decreases the wiring efforts considerably.
The entire test and reconfiguration run is controlled by the JTAG/boundary scan software package Cascon Galaxy and takes just a few seconds.
By using VarioCore technology, the SFX5350 is reconfigurable for other projects with specific I/O functions, running up to 125MHz.
This flexibility not only protects investments, but increases fault coverage, while minimising test efforts, for both design and production.
DLR-RM will introduce this co-operation for the first time in public during Goepel Electronic's boundary-scan days in Germany on 22nd and 23rd May. Request a free brochure from Goepel Electronic ...
• Goepel Electronic: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Electronicstalk email newsletter
• Electronicstalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
