Projects
Some of ifp's projects:
Dynamical Testing Solution (Rocket Test Bed)
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ifp develops a hard- und software based dynamical testing solution for diagnostic inspections
and acceptance of complex systems, particularly with regard to rockets (rockets test beds).
Technical systems such as mechanical engineering, vehicle construction and plant engineering become more and more efficient but also more sophisticated due to closer combinations of software based control, mechanics, pneumatic and electrical systems.
Therefore solutions for fast and efficient diagnostics of such systems become more and more important. However for an individual testing of proprietary systems with particular testing requirements no state-of-the art solutions exist allowing a dynamical, event-driven automatic testing satisfying also the needs for reporting documentation and auditing acceptability.
Against this background the ambition of this project is to investigate and provide a testing technology for the dynamical measuring of non-linear, hight sensitiv systems together with the primary ambition to develop a rocket testing device.
However the scope of application of this solution goes far beyond this direct product purpose so that a commercial usage of the results of this project for the fields of hydraulics, electrical drives and other complex mechatronic systems is planned in the near future.
We seek to achieve the following characteristics with the testing solution to be developed:- Maximum precision measuring but at the same moment with a minimum of interaction with the equipment under test by the electrical test current (e.g. no significant capacitive induction of the equipment under test by the electrical test current).
- Measurement of the dynamical system performance instead of simple static characteristics.
- High-resoluting timing together with the measurement of transit times of electromagnetic stimuli.
- Real time capability time slices in the range of milliseconds.
- Automatic testing following programmable test sequences with event driven test procedures (state based tests) and coordinated multithreaded sequences.
We also seek to achieve an on board diagnostic capability for the system, to detect and compensate system immanent characteristics periodically and also consider and compensate the aging of the testing device (test equipment monitoring).
Cable Break Fault Simulation System
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ifp develops a hard- and software based solution
to simulate cable breaks within the cabling of a rocket launcher. The system supports the training of the
maintenance staff of the launcher.
Suitable AS Interface clients placed at dedicated places on the launcher will break the cables.
The bus used is the AS Bus. At this bus the data transfer from the clients to the AS master as
well as the supplied power
is carried out on a 2 wired cable.
Airbus Defence & Space
New PC 104 Stack for a Launcher Control Device
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ifp reassembles the PC 104 stack of a launcher control device using up to date components.
This customer specifc PC104+ solution developed by ifp consists out of
- one PC104+ CPU board (PCI)
- one serial RS422 board (PCI)
- one ethernet board (PCI)
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one CAN board (PCI) having 2 CAN channels. This CAN board supports the CANopen protocol.
- can be operated within the extended temperature range from -40 up to +85 °C. Every component used covers this temperature range.
- is designed and tested to be shakeproof.
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has a specifically developed and manufactured 3D heatsink composed of black anodized aluminium
and a motherbord with a connector to the base board of the entire application.
Krauss-Maffei-Wegmann
RSim II Remote
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ifp improves the rocket simulator RSim
by adding a remote control feature. Ammunition types, failures etc. can now be set remotely.
Airbus Defence & Space
Krauss-Maffei Wegmann
GPS Storage and Power Control Box
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ifp develops a device for the safe storage und distribution of a GPS software key.
This Box has software and hardware components for the secure storage, evaluation and distribution of the key.
The key storage is based upon FPGA technique. In case of a threatening corruption
the storage of the key is deleted by a
technique specified by the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik (BSI).
Airbus Defence & Space
GMLRS Data Verification Device
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ifp develops
a tool to record the data traffic between a launcher control device
and the rockets. This device is used for development-, test- and integration
purposes and improves the security during
the tests in White Sands Missile Range. It consists of the software together with the suitable hardware.
A PC connected to the
It is used to record and analyse the received data. The device is a passive listener and should
never modify the data
traffic to the rockets. The launcher's aiming data are proved and the permission for launch is
signaled via a traffic light. The recorded data are stored in a SQL Server database.
Airbus Defence & Space
Interface board for a SCADA system used by the chemical industry
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ifp is contracted by Invensys-Foxboro (Stuttgart) to develop an interface board used by a SCADA system for the chemical
industry. The board is designed to operate dual redundantly to grant a high availability of the
chemical production processes. Hot Plug & Play capability without any failure of the hardware is required.
The board provides a profibus and some Invensys specific E/A bus. An AMCC Power PC 440 GX is used as CPU.
The operating system will be Linux together with the real time extension Xenomai. As development environment an Eclipse based solution for the Power PC is used.
Invensys
Development and implementation of a GPS satellite tracking algorithm
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ifp develops an algorithmus used to track the GPS satellites. This algorithm calculates
if a sufficient number of satellites will be tracked at launch time so that an individual rocket can be
launched GPS guided by the
launcher MARS/MLRS. If not enough satellites will be tracked the user is informed about that.
The algorithm ist implemented in C++.
The slant range of the rocket at launch time, the geographical position and the altitude are regarded as well.
The reference ellipsoid for the calculation is WGS 84 and the satellite's ephemeris data are used by the algorithm. They are used
for the calculation of the satellite position by iteratively solving the Kepler Equation
(e.g. Navstar Document, Global Positioning System Standard Positioning Service Signal Specification, 2nd Edition, June 2, 1995).
Transformations between several coordiante systems (ECEF, NED, ENU) are neccessary to perform the calculations.
Airbus Defence & Space
Smart Ethernet HUB for a Rocket Simulator
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ifp develops an intelligent and flexible Ethernet HUB.
This HUB allows routing connections between a launcher control device for a
tactical rocket launcher, its rockets and a rocket simulator
The data traffic between this device, its rocketsand the simulator can be traced by a monitor PC.
The route switching between the control device, the rockets and the simulator is done by the monitor
PC using some special telegram.
The monitoring application running on the PC is realised by C# .NET. The startup sequence of the rockets can be traced. The simulator mode allows dedicated failure patterns for the rockets to be projected. As communication protocol between PC und simulator or rockets TCP/IP is used.
Airbus Defence & Space
Tactical Rocket Simulator for a rocket launcher
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ifp develops the software for a tactical rocket simulator which simulates the rockets
carried by a launcher. This simulator serves to support the training of the launcher
operation crew in the field. It can
simulate several
rocket types and can be projected by predefined failure patterns. The base hardware is an UNC 20 development board
manufactured by Forth Systems. The board containes an ARM7 core. Six individual and independent
UNC20 simulate 2 x 6 rockets. Additional Microsoft applications with .NET techniques serve for debug purposes and the for the simulation of the LCCS
(Launcher Communication & Control System).
The configuration of the application is done via an integrated web server.
Meanwhile the simulator became extended by an intelligent ethernet hub (see below). This hub is used to route the data traffic between the launcher control unit of the rocket launcher on one side and the rockets and the rocket simulator on the other side. Among the weapon types supported by the simulator are- GMLRS (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System)
- SMArt (Suchzündermunition Artillerie)
- Unitary (A high precision weapon type)
The data traffic between the launcher control device and the rockets or the simulator is supervised with a monitoring PC. The switching between the control device and the rockets or the simulator is done via a self made protocol by the monitoring PC. The application on the monitoring PC is implemented using C# .NET. The switch-on sequence of the rockets can be supervised with the monitoring PC. The communication protocol between RSim and rockets or the monitoring PC is TCP/IP.
Krauss-Maffei-Wegmann, (Kassel)
Launcher Communication & Control System (LCCS)
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ifp develops the highlevel software for the
launcher control device. The laying of the weapon is done via 2 encoders als CAN nodes.
The aiming direction is calculated
using some attitude angles and is monitored. The hardware as a PC 104 stack containes the CPU board, a
CAN board with two channels, an RS 485 board as well as a peripheral board. Since the weapon system is
able to fire off GPS guided rockets the software must be
able to manage all relevant values from the GPS receiver like Almanac, Ephemeris etc. and transfer them
on time to the weapon. The communication protocol between the single CAN nodes and the CAN master is CANopen
The implementation is performed using C++.
At Capo San Lorenzo on Sardegna the first successfull rocket launch took place.
Start video as mp4 File :
Start video as mpg File :
Thales Communications
Development of a Project Tool for CAN Applications
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ifp develops a Microsoft .NET based project tool for the simulation of a set of CAN modules. Starting
point is a xml-file upon which the tool will operate and will generate an xml project file by means of
xsl based rules. Additional project files will become generated to assure the downward compatibility.
Visual C#.NET will be used as IDE. XML and XSL files will be linked together by means of the DOM (Document
Object Model). A graphical front end allows to manipulate the project data.
mtu Friedrichshafen
Load Torque Limitation System for Lifting Equipment
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ifp developed the software for a load torque limitation system to control
lifting equipments and avoid overloading by structural analysis. In case of overload the lifting equipment
(e.g.crane) must stop at some secure position. The system becomes developed according to IEC 61508. The
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)achieves a Safety Integration Level of 3 (SIL 3). The overloading
parameters (load, angle, cantilever beam extension) are repesented by a set of tables building enveloping surfaces.
The movement of the lifting equipment must take place inside of this envelope. Further dynamical parameters
(velocity, accelleration etc.) will be used for the structural analysis. The system consists out of some
base module the software part of which will be deleloped by ifp, an operating facility with integrated
display, some key switch and signal horn. The display is connected by cable using the RS 232 (485) protocol.
The base module hardware is developed by
SET - Smart embedded Technologies, Wangen i.A.
EBM Brosa / Tettnang
Porting of CAN Functions
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ifp is contracted by MTU Friedrichshafen to port CAN functions of a CAN controller under Windows
3.1 onto a National Instruments controller under Windows 2000. The development platform is Visual Studio 6.
mtu-Friedrichshafen
Maintenance Tool in the Scope of a MIL Project
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ifp develops a maintenance tool in the scope of a MIL Project. It permits the visualisation of the
maintenance steps as well as the presentation of currently occured failures in the system. The test procedure,
the texts to be displayed and the activities that must be performed are contained in a SQL Server 2000
Database. The database access is realised by means of ADO (ActiveX Data Objects). The components are realised
as ActiveX components. The IDE used is Visual Studio 6 (Visual C++ und Visual Basic). The data from the
system are delivered via MIL Bus.
Krauss-Maffei-Wegmann, (Kassel)
MVB Bus Interface
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ifp realises the data transfer between the controls of the aircondition systems of a high speed
train by means of the MVB (Multifunction Vehicle Bus) interface under psos.
Liebherr Aerospace (Lindenberg)
CANopen Protocol Porting
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ifp is going to port the CANopen protocol on to the MC68376 (TOUCAN) as ordered by Liebherr Aerospace
/ Lindenberg (Germany). As IDE the TASKING 68xxx Compiler für Windows NT 4.0 as well as the CrossView
Pro Debugger is used. The targetsystem is the MicroC/OS-II real time kernel. The sources are obtained
from Vector Informatik GmbH, Stuttgart.
Liebherr Aerospace (Lindenberg)
GMLRS European Fire Control System - Technical Demonstrator (MLRS-EFCS-TD)
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ifp developes the high-level software part for the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System - MLRS-EFCS-TD's
launcher control unit. The unit provides the interface between
weapon pods and the launcher drive system. The weapon system
will be able to launch GPS guided rockets. COTS products like CANopen
are used and the implementation is performed
using C++ and CORBA. The control over the software life-cycle is carried out in accordance to MIL-Std 489.
Other companies significantly involved here are- Vickers Defense Systems
- THOMSON-CSF/ITALIA
- THOMSON-CSF COMMUNICATIONS
- Airbus Defence & Space
Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (Kassel)
Control of Aircondition Devices
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ifp develops parts of the software for the control of the
aircondition devices for the german Intercity Express as
well as for the british train "Class 442". The software is realised in C under the realtime operation
system psos.
Liebherr Aerospace (Lindenberg)
Interactive Lottery Terminals
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ifp implements the software for interactive Lottery terminals under Windows NT for the swiss lottery
corporations of central and western Swizerland. The software becomes implemented in C++ with Microsoft
Visual Studio 6 als development environment.
Wincor Nixdorf (Constance)
Actuators for the paper industry
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One current ifp project deserves particular attention, since we are not only responsible for the
development and supply of the software under QNX 4.25, but the control hardware as well. In co-operation
with Voith Paper, we have developed an intelligent stepper motor controller, ISS, for the control of actuators.
A CPU board based on AMD processor technology as well as a peripheral board with the appropriate sensors
serves to monitor for irregularities in the paper webs as they are produced. The CPU card ISS 1.2 is conceived
as an embedded WEB server. The CPU board, at 40 x 150mm, enables the visualisation of measurement, control
and regulation data - if necessary worldwide - thanks to the integrated WEB server, able to function in
every network environment imaginable.
The board is predestined for use in, for example:
- Embedded controllers in measurement, control and regulation applications
- Operational data recording
- Handheld applications
- Medicinal technology
- Sensory/actuary applications
Voith Paper
Simulation of a monitoring interface
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Development of a monitoring interface between a monitoring computer and an electronic controller,
supervision and regulation unit for the supervision of engines. Sensor values defined and stored in a
real-time database are transferred both on demand as well as cyclically. The monitoring interface was
developed as a DLL in Visual C++ using STL and MFCs.
mtu-Friedrichshafen
Security Gate
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Collaboration in the development of a security gate based on COTS products in the context of a secure
mailing system part of the X.400 protocol series. Implementation of new concepts for the display of security
loopholes in tool based on SNMP.
ATM Computer GmbH, Constance
Simulation and training facilities
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Multiple-processor technology, from spread real-time database for the simulation of ships to drive units.
mtu-Friedrichshafen
Process management technology
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From order management to control of units such as lathes, turning stations etc. In flexible manufacturing units.
GrundigNumeric GmbH -
Process management technology for sheet metal processing manufacturing units with the tool 'FactoryLink'
C. Behrens AG
Measurement technology
- Real-time measurement recording and evaluation for automatic adjustment of car doors in bodywork. RdA/BMW
Warehouse technology
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Logistical analysis for throughput optimisation in block and high-stacking warehouses. Linkup with
Informix database.
Hugo Fritschi AG
Graphical user interfaces
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Software emulators for graphical terminals under X11-OSF/Motif
Tektronix/Maho -
Visualisation of flexible manufacturing units over a service network that can be accessed by users
as well as control processes.
Gildemeister AG -
Development of graphical user interfaces based on incr Tcl for system and subscriber management
of a bleeper system.
ATM Computer GmbH
Avionics
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System analysis, implementation, testing and documentation of functions such as error routing, BITE
and military reconnaissance services in the onboard computers of the Airbus A320 and MRCA Tornado.
Litef GmbH, Freiburg
Projects made by our enineering partner Walter Stegmaier:
For the development of our hardware we rely on our engineering partner Walter Stegmaier. Therefore we are glad to present here some of his engineering samples to make clear that we supplement each other excellently.-
Environment measuring technology, particularly for air pollution detection.
A commercially available PC/104-plug-in module upon its carrier module provides additional application specific resources. This module is used as a master module for various air pollution analysers. The module enables the communication with the user. Consecutive analysers are parametrised and supervised by the master module. The values from all analysers are collected and stored. Numerous interfaces serve to integrate the monitoring system into a superior environment as e.g. an online control via internet. The application runs under LINUX.
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Medicinal uses.
An active, PNP-enabled, PCI interface module using the signal processor TMS320 with its master functions. Various external recording modules collect data and send them byteserial, bytewise or in burst mode together with the channel ID to the PCI module. A channel specific ring buffer or change buffer management using vector base registers within the FPGA allows a flexible and channel specific storage of the data. The PCs memory is serves as storage media. Hereby a simple and efficient data transfer between the applications running on the host PC, the indivually running applications and the external recording modules is accomplished. The local signal processor is used for the digital signal preprocessing or the identification of particularly events ( trigger events ) within the individual channels.
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ifp reassembles the PC 104 stack of a launcher control device using up to date components.
