<p>Armstrong researchers have developed a portable data acquisition system (PDAT) that can be easily transported and set up at remote locations to display and archive data in real time. The PDAT was developed to collect data from strain gages and fiber optic sensors installed on a revolutionary wing flap while it was being constructed by NASA partner FlexSys, Inc. in Ann Arbor, Michigan, as part of the Adaptive Compliant Trailing Edge (ACTE) project. The PDAT enabled the Armstrong team to monitor and analyze data collected during the construction process and provide vital feedback to designers onsite at FlexSys instead of having to wait until construction was completed and shipped to Armstrong’s facility.</p><p><strong>Work to date</strong>: This unique and flexible system has 64 channels for analog data, 32 channels for thermocouples, and utilizes Ethernet technology to capture 6,000 parameters of fiber optic data. It is currently configured to gather strain gage and thermocouple inputs, but a variety of other hardware can be installed, including cards for pressure transducers, voltages, currents, motion paks, accelerometers, MIL-STD-1553 and ARINC 429 aircraft data buses, and Ethernet packets.</p><p><strong>Looking ahead</strong>: The PDAT has been an integral part of the ACTE project, and the team believes the technology is versatile enough to become a successful component of many current and future Armstrong projects.</p><p><strong>Benefits</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Convenient</strong>: This innovation enables real-time analysis of data collected at remote locations.</li><li><strong>Portable</strong>: The hardware is easily removable, attaches to a single heat sink pallet, and fits into a single small case for quick transport. It can be used in a variety of locations (laboratory, hangar, and flight line).</li><li><strong>Flexible</strong>: The technology can be quickly reprogrammed to support various tests and can display and archive data from virtual streams.</li><li><strong>Economical</strong>: The system reduces manufacturing and testing costs associated with multiple data collection and analysis sites.</li></ul><p><strong>Applications</strong></p><p>Collects sensor, voltage, current, pressure, aircraft avionics, and Ethernet data</p>