Modern aerospace and defense systems are experiencing a remarkable technological shift enhancing the effectiveness and precision of tactical radio communication and military aviation. Modernization programs and the government’s strong push to become self-reliant are creating favorable conditions for long-term partnerships, accelerating development and deployment of advanced technologies.

Testing Mission Critical Avionics

To create a more resilient industry, aerospace and defense organizations are turning to digital technologies for their test and assurance needs to stay ahead of the curve. Digital twins, AI-based cybersecurity systems, and Machine Learning (ML) are transforming the aerospace industry by accelerating R&D cycles, enabling preventive maintenance and optimizing operations. Whether one is testing fuel quantity systems or performance testing airborne communication, navigation and surveillance systems, on-site testing and troubleshooting with precision is essential for the impeccable functioning of modern avionics systems.

Avionics Test Solutions

Aerospace is a particularly exacting environment, where malfunctions have disastrous consequences. This is magnified in a military scenario, where aircraft typically need to maximise their inflight hours, so testing needs to be reliable, repeatable, and fast. Avionics test products are used around the world by military aviation maintenance groups to manufacture, test, and maintain airborne avionics systems such as; TCAS, TACAN, and IFF.

Testing Aircraft Systems in the Airborne Condition

Antenna couplers solve the problem of unreliable radiated power and transponder minimum trigger levels (MTL) when testing avionics over the air in multi-path ramp and hanger environments. They can also help reduce dangerous “false intruders” when performing a transponder test.When used with a GPS simulator, the proper coupler can provide a steady GPS signal in a hangar environment when a simulated static or dynamic GPS signal is required.

Testing of Radio Altimeter Test Systems

Isolating faulty components of installed Radio Altimeter (RADALT) systems typically requires swapping parts from the airframe, increasing downtime and cost. From Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) and Combined Altitude Radar Altimeter (CARA) to Next-Generation variants, technicians can now perform complete closed-loop system tests that replicate dynamic in-flight conditions up to 10,000 ft. Radio altimeter test sets can test the complete radio altimeter system, allowing the operator to isolate a problem with the antenna, coax, LRU, or indicator without unnecessary system component replacements.

Fuel Quantity System Verification

Fuel Quantity test sets, when used with the appropriate specific aircraft interface, can troubleshoot and isolate fuel system issues, calibrate fuel quantity indicators, and uniquely detect contaminated fuel probes.

Develop, Certify, Test and Repair TCAS and Transponders

Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS) and transponder LRUs test sets designed for engineering research and development, design validation, manufacturing and return-to-service can certify TCAS computers, ADS-B In receivers (including ground station), ADS-R and TIS-B ground station transmitters, and Mode S/ADS-B Out transponders.

Performance Verification Testing of Critical Airborne Systems

Hand-held avionics test sets can perform quick airborne system auto-tests or in-depth troubleshooting in and around the aircraft using a single test set for communication, navigation, and surveillance systems. Built-in auto-tests and guided tests provide maintenance technicians the ability to perform consistent and repeatable tests.

High-Resolution Multimode OTDR System

Tests complex fiber harnesses, like those used for radar signal transmission, weapons control, and flight navigation and guidance systems with Hi-Res OTDR, Optical Switch, and ATE Software. This equipment can also be used to test fiber cables on warships and submarines.

AVX-10K Military Flight Line Test Set

The AVX-10K is a comprehensive flight line test solution that provides today’s avionics technician with an easy-to-use instrument for testing communication, navigation, and surveillance systems. From a quick airborne system auto-test to an in-depth troubleshooting tool, users can conveniently test around the aircraft or in the cockpit from the touchscreen display or using a mobile device. An intuitive user interface, simplifies testing with built-in auto-tests for transponder applications. Guided tests can be created to replicate existing procedures to assist users for Navigation and AM/FM Communication system verification.

The AVX-10Kprovides a wide range of quick airborne system auto-tests and in-depth troubleshooting using software specific applications.It helps avionics technicians maximize productivity and efficiency across fixed-base operators (FBOs), avionics and airframe manufacturers, or maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO).

Testing Mission Critical Radio

Digital land mobile radio (LMR) technologies and software-defined radio (SDR) have significantly improved security, range, and spectral efficiency. Radio test solutions have followed suit, incorporating advanced automation, and spectrum analysis features for the lab and field. Over-the-air military radio testing prevents the disruption of deployment activities or test-induced equipment failures. Mission-critical voice communication requires the support of accurate, flexible, and comprehensive testing and maintenance.

Communications service monitors (CSM) provide the most powerful and efficient multi-purpose test solutions for land mobile radio technologies. These systems combine the functionality of a signal generator, spectrum analyzer, oscilloscope, channel analyzer, power meter, and other analog and digital radio test functions into one multi-purpose, stand-alone instrument. Cable fault analysis, antenna testing, and infrastructure commissioning are additional service monitor capabilities that have remained relevant in the modern era of radio communication.

CX300

As the global public safety radio market rapidly transitions from analog to digital, many mission- critical services have started using secure LTE technology to supplement data and voice communications. Offering an unparalleled frequency range up to 6 GHz, the CX300 is designed with advanced frequency, power and modulation analysis instruments to support all analog and digital land mobile radio (LMR) and professional mobile radio (PMR) protocols, and private LTE networks.

The CX300 incorporates automated test applications for fast, repeatable, and accurate test and alignment. In addition, the CX300 enables technicians to conduct full vector s-parameter measurements and directly connect to the device under test without needing extra accessories.

Faster On-site Test Solutions Enhances Operational Efficiency

Comprehensive testing and assurance of critical airborne electronic systems and tactical radio communication are crucial to ensure accuracy, safety, and reliability. It validates the functionality of components under diverse operating conditions and prevents system failure. Testing in aerospace and defense systems not only enhances operational readiness but also ensures optimal performance of mission-critical systems.

The module also features input and output isolation transformers, a wide operational frequency band and the ability to measure and display each input frequency and amplitude. The model 41-670 targets applications including aircraft wing and landing gear control, gun/missile launcher targeting, satellites, motion control for industrial automation, and turbines and nuclear reactors. A PXIe version is available upon customer request. Pickering also provides a full range of compatible cables and breakouts. More details can be found at https://www.pickeringtest.com/products/pxi/pxi-simulation-modules/lvdt-rvdt-resolver-simulator

David Godinez, Operations / Engineering Manager, commented: “Absolute EMS puts our customers first. This is why having conformal coating in-house is an excellent differentiator, especially for our medical, military and industrial customers. With the Nordson ASYMTEK Select Coat SL-940 Conformal equipment, we can offer precision coating applications, and eliminate additional handling, time and costs related to sending the product out to a third party. Simple, fast, accurate and high quality – That is what our customers expect and this is what we are proud to offer.”

Conformal coating is utilized for product protection in situations where PCBAs are exposed to extreme environments including heat, moisture and radical environments. Absolute EMS’ conformal coating services ensures unbeatable quality and consistency in every product for high reliability applications.

The Absolute EMS conformal coating system is capable of applying coatings with extreme accuracy and tight line definitions. Whether your boards need to be conformally coated for protection, reliability, or security, Absolute EMS has you covered.

The Nordson ASYMTEK Select Coat conformal coating system is designed to provide the highest quality and productivity for automated coating processes. The system is available in batch, in-line, and customized configurations. A variety of fluid systems and applicators increase flexibility in applying a range of fluids.

Absolute EMS is a leader in end-to-end electronic manufacturing services solutions that help its customers rapidly introduce innovative new technology by facilitating speed-to-market in their marketplace. Speed-to-market starts with engineering services, and extends into prototypes, pilots and then into production.

A long-time commitment to sustainability contributes to Absolute EMS leading the way for manufacturing operations among EMS organizations. For more information, visit www.absolute-ems.com.

The vision analytics solution developed by QuEST uses the Intel distribution of the OpenVINO toolkit to provide manufacturers with actionable insights based on specific patterns captured by machine vision systems. The solution uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop insights based on video feeds. In addition to OpenVINO toolkit, the solution incorporates Intel Edge Insights for Industrial framework to facilitate deployment by end-users.

The predictive maintenance solution developed by QuEST is designed to help semiconductor OEMs maintain manufacturing tools. In this application, Intel Edge Insights for Industrial framework provides times series analytic capability as part of a predictive maintenance solution. This analysis help OEMs determine the remaining useful life of an asset and help to optimize maintenance time.

Commenting on the two solutions Krish Kupathil, Head – Hi-Tech and Digital, QuEST Global said, “As a trusted thinking partner to our customers, we aim to develop and implement innovative solutions in the areas of manufacturing, security and monitoring, and automotive. Intel’s Edge Insights for Industrial framework and related technologies have been enhancing our vision analytics and predictive maintenance solutions and AI capabilities, helping us create the frontier for our customers. We look forward to continued collaboration with Intel to drive tech-driven business growth for customers across industries.”

Intel Edge Insights for Industrial enables near real-time analysis at the edge by making it easy to integrate data, devices, and processes in manufacturing applications and easy to utilize Intel processors and accelerators. “The industrial sector is using Intel Edge Insights for Industrial-based solutions and tools to help improve operational efficiency and to help tighten factory security and monitoring. This enabling software makes it easy to deploy AI solution and optimizes the hardware performance across Intel-based platforms,” said Jonathan Luse, General Manager, Intel Industrial Solutions

QuEST Global works with leading global companies across diverse verticals, helping them to address the growing demand for providing connected engineering experience to the end customers. Over the past two decades, the company has been helping its customers take the next step in their digital transformation journey by automating the process of identifying production problems, proactively implementing innovative solutions, and making products safer and more reliable.

The solution developed by QuEST Global is specifically designed to automate key operations of model development workflow like data labelling, data augmentation and cross validation. Supported with intuitive dashboards, performance metrics and custom model creation capabilities, the tool provides easy re-training and deployment options for target devices. By automating and simplifying the AI development work flow, the solution accelerator will help data scientists, data engineers and data analysts achieve productivity improvement, and improve return on investment which in turn will help them to focus more on innovative methods for improving the accuracy and performance of the models.

Arun Pai, President – News Business Development, QuEST Global said, “At QuEST Global, our constant endeavor is to accelerate and develop innovative solutions for our customers across industries through latest technologies and tools. This accelerator for deep learning model development is one such robust solution which helps to achieve streamlined workflow for vision analytics within a shorter time period, adding value to customers across various industries.”

QuEST Global has more than two decades of experience across the complete product development lifecycle, helping customers develop better products, establish new markets and improve efficiency and quality. Using next-generation technologies such as edge computing, artificial intelligence, deep learning, big data and predictive analytics, the company aims to help semiconductor, consumer electronics and computing industries accelerate their product development and innovation cycles and make operations more efficient for them. As a trusted thinking partner, the company is committed to enhance the end consumer experience, enable business outcomes and simplify the digital journey for its customers.

October 23, 2019 – Chelmsford, MA – Pickering Interfaces, a leading provider of modular signal switching and simulation products for electronic test and verification, is consistently working to increase the performance and decrease the size of its modules and systems, in-line with the requirements of the demanding industries it serves. The company will demonstrate their latest new product developments at Productronica 2019, the World’s leading trade fair for electronics development and production, in Munich (November 12-15^th).

In Hall A1, Booth 452, the company will debut a new member of its BRIC ultra-high-density PXI matrix module family, the 0.5A 40-558 which delivers up to 6,144 crosspoints and has a switching density 39% higher than competing devices, allowing a complete functional ATE system to be housed in a single 3U PXI chassis. The integrated BRIC design saves on valuable chassis slots compared to standard PXI matrix modules.

This unit follows on from the model 40-559 – launched at the show last year – a robust 1A/20W module with up to 4,096 crosspoints. Other BRIC modules will also be on the booth, showing the wide variety of solutions that are available as standard. Comments CEO Keith Moore: “With Pickering, we like to offer customers exactly what they need, rather than forcing them to over-spec or compromise.”

In partnership with VX Instruments of Germany who will be on Hall A1 Booth 370, Pickering will again be demoing VX Instruments’ PXM7820 high-speed multi-measurement device operating in an LXI Ethernet environment through our 4-Slot USB/LXI Modular Chassis (model 60-105).  The PXM7820 features a 16-bit DMM, 16-bit digitizer, counter/timer, and a high voltage input circuitry.  The addition of the PXM7820 allows all of Pickering’s LXI/USB Modular chassis to perform measurements as well as controlling switching in a single chassis.

Also highlighted in the booth will be:

Their High-Density Modular LXI Ethernet Reed Relay Matrix – originally designed to test Semiconductors at wafer and package levels, this Reed Relay Matrix solution combines Pickering’s LXI Chassis (model 65-200) and 1Amp plug-in matrices.

Various Sensor Simulation modules including programmable resistor modules and thermocouple simulation modules.

Switch Path Manager Signal Routing Software – this signal routing software simplifies signal routing through switching systems and speeds up the development of switching system software. Switch Path Manager supports Pickering’s PXI, LXI and PCI switching modules. It’s ability to automate signal routing results in effective and easy switching system management—safely and quickly.

eBIRST Switching System Test Tools – Designed specifically for Pickering’s PXI, PCI or LXI products, these tools simplify switching system fault-finding by quickly testing the system and graphically identifying the faulty relay.

Cable Design Tool – A graphics-based online tool used to create custom cable solutions for many applications. Features include a built-in library of standard cable sets that can be used as the basis for customization or they can be defined from scratch. The tool allows very detailed design characteristics including: selection of connector types, wire type, pin definitions, pin and cable labelling, cable bundling, length selection, sleeving, comments and more.

Pickering Interfaces stands behind all of its manufactured products with a standard three-year warranty and guaranteed long-term product support. Pricing and availability information is supplied on their website at www.pickeringtest.com.

]]> https://electronicsmaker.com/engineering-students-from-india-and-the-uk-to-showcase-their-innovative-ideas-at-quest-ingenium-in-hyderabad Tue, 15 Oct 2019 05:58:48 +0000 https://electronicsmaker.com/?p=54501

Bengaluru, October 14, 2019 – QuEST Global, a global product engineering and lifecycle services company, will host innovative project ideas from engineering students across India and the United Kingdom at their flagship annual applied engineering contest, “Ingenium”. The winner of Ingenium 2019 will be selected after evaluating projects presented by the finalists from India and the UK at the grand finale to be held on October 19, 2019 in Hyderabad. The projects will be judged based on innovation, relevance to industry and society, and marketability by the jury consisting of industry experts from GE Power, Medtronic, MAN Truck & Bus India Pvt. Ltd. and QuEST Global.

The projects that will be presented at Ingenium finale are spread across Software & Digital, Power, Healthcare, Automotive, Embedded & Electronics and Mechanical streams. The finalists were selected after screening more than 6,500 registrations submitted by final year students from over 800 engineering colleges across India and the UK. The project ideas submitted by aspiring engineers were around solving the various challenges around digital transformation and Industry 4.0. The winners of coveted competition in the engineering community will be entitled to a jackpot of exciting prizes, including a visit to the Bombardier Transportation facility in Derby, the UK, along with a cash prize and an opportunity to work with QuEST Global.

This year, QuEST Global’s endeavors in nurturing engineering talent is being supported by Bombardier Transportation and Siemens Digital Industries Software. Ramesh Loganathan, Professor, Co-innovation and Head of Research Outreach, International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad will be the chief guest of the event. The project presentation by the finalists will be evaluated by an eminent panel of judges which include Parag Marathe, Executive – Engineering, GE Power & Site Leader, Hyderabad Technology Center, Divya Joshi, Site Director – Medtronic Engineering & Innovation Centre, Hyderabad, Ashish Dugar, Chief Technology Officer, MAN Truck & Bus India Pvt. Ltd., and Venugopalan C. V., Chief Engineer, QuEST Global.

The finalists for Ingenium 2019 are as follows:

• University of Kent, United Kingdom
• Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Tamil Nadu
• P.E.S. Institute of Technology (PESIT), Karnataka
• Marian Engineering College, Kerala
• Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar, Punjab
• Jayawant Shikshan Prasarak Mandal Jayawantrao Sawant College of Engineering, Maharashtra
• Dayanand Sagar College of Engineering (DSCE), Karnataka
• Akshaya College of Engineering and Technology, Tamil Nadu.
• SCMS School of Engineering Technology (SSET), Kerala
• Vishnu Institute of Technology, Andhra  Pradesh
• Vel Tech Multi Tech Dr. Rangarajan Dr. Sakunthala Engineering College, Tamil Nadu

Robert Leclerc, Head of Global Engineering at Bombardier Transportation said, “Bombardier and QuEST Global look back on a successful partnership, which is also based on QuEST’s attractiveness for talent. Therefore, we are happy to support their engineering innovation platform, Ingenium – an event to unearth hidden talents among the student community. And, we look forward to further build up on our partnership to grow the Bombardier presence in the railway industry, with 500 million passengers that our products transport daily, in 200 cities around the globe.”

“Every year, we get to see top engineering talent participating in the event, and we are proud to facilitate global exposure for them by providing them with an opportunity to be hired by world’s leading engineering companies. This year, we have successfully completed Ingenium in Japan and the UK, which has evoked tremendous response from industry pioneers and students in these countries,” said Dr. Ajay Prabhu, Chief Operating Officer, QuEST Global. “In the coming years, we are planning to launch Ingenium in the key global markets where we operate from and build regional talent pool in these regions and improve the industry academia connect. By taking Ingenium globally, we aim at encouraging engineering students from across the globe to solve complex engineering problems in the society and across various industries.”

Aiming to build enthusiasm and passion for engineering among the academic community, Ingenium is a global confluence for budding engineering talent to showcase their path-breaking ideas that could leave a lasting positive impact on this world and lives of people. The event has grown by leaps and bounds over the last few years and has also become one of the most strategic ways through which QuEST Global hires its future engineering talent to solve complex engineering challenges to its customers.

September 2019 – Clacton-on-Sea, UK – Pickering Interfaces, a leading provider of modular signal switching and simulation for electronic test and verification, has launched a new 0.5Amp ultra-high-density PXI matrix module family that delivers up to 6,144 crosspoints. With a switching density 39% higher than competing devices, the 40-558 allows a complete functional ATE system to be housed in a single 3U PXI chassis, and the integrated BRIC design saves on valuable chassis slots compared to standard PXI matrix modules.

Part of Pickering Interfaces’ BRIC large PXI Matrices range, the new 40-558 modules are available in two, four or eight-slot widths for matrix sizes between 64×16 and 1,008×6. The modules are fitted with high quality, ruthenium-sputtered reed relays – manufactured by sister company, Pickering Electronics – which feature a very long life with good low-level switching performance and excellent contact resistance stability. Automatic isolation relay switching maximizes bandwidth and reliability. Spare relays are included with the module to facilitate easy maintenance with minimum downtime.

The BRIC’s internal high performance screened analog backplane minimizes the complexity and cost of cable assemblies; Pickering has a range of standard cables available for the 40-558 and can construct custom cables for all its PXI modules. A choice of 6, 8, 12 and 16 pole analog bus widths and dual analog bus options are available.

“This is industry’s highest density reed relay PXI solution,” said Keith Moore, CEO at Pickering Interfaces. “By only using the highest quality Pickering instrument-grade reed relays, we are able to guarantee our matrices for three years. Engineers can be sure they are choosing a high reliability product to match their high reliability applications.”

The 40-558 BRIC PXI matrix modules can be operated in Fast Mode via the VISA driver with multiple relay operation in one command or provide the convenience and simplicity of IVI drivers.

Extensive accessory support is available, including Pickering’s Built-in Relay Self-Test (BIRST) and eBIRST Switching System Test tools which provide a quick and simple way of finding relay failures within the modules and Pickering’s signal routing software, Switch Path Manager, allows easy programming of the BRIC matrix modules.

The 40-558 PXI matrix modules suit many industries; however, typical applications include automotive and aerospace ECU and semiconductor package testing. Dual analog bussing for the narrower matrix options enables completely separate matrices within a single module for parallel testing.

Further information is available at www.pickeringtest.com.

September 03, 2019, Singapore: QuEST Global, a global product engineering and lifecycle services company, announces the appointment of former KPMG partner, Gregory L Smith (Greg), to the Board of Directors as an independent non-executive director. Alongside this role, Greg will also serve on the audit committee of QuEST Global and help the company to further enhance the quality of its corporate governance. Previously, he acted as the Global Lead Partner at KPMG, where he led the development and delivery of audit, tax and advisory services to KPMG’s multi-national clients, as well as to growth-oriented private equity backed companies.

Greg has more than three decades of expertise in public accounting, including finance, auditing, tax and compliance. Throughout his career, he has held various leadership positions, including Global Lead Partner, and was responsible for leading teams that provided audit, tax and advisory services for Warburg Pincus and its portfolio companies, Walmart and other large multinational companies. He also served as a board member of the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) and Enactus US, along with chairing the GMA Advisory Council.

Ajit Prabhu, Chairman & CEO, QuEST Global said, “Greg brings invaluable experience and an excellent track record of helping organizations to align with their operating model, and of identifying valuable opportunities for growth. His deep experience in serving global organizations, his understanding of diverse markets and financial expertise will help us to further accelerate our plans for growth and continue to be a trusted thinking partner to our customers.”

April 24, 2019 – Clacton-on-Sea, UK – Pickering Interfaces, the leading supplier of modular signal switching and simulation solutions for use in electronic test and verification, is delighted and proud to announce that it has won the Queen’s Award for Outstanding Short Term Growth in overseas sales over the last three years.

Pickering Interfaces Ltd. was founded in 1988 as part of the Pickering Group, which also celebrated its 50^th anniversary in 2018. Based in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, the company designs and manufactures modular signal switching and instrumentation for use in electronic testing and simulation for a wide range of industries including automotive, aerospace & defence, energy, industrial, communications, medical and semiconductor. The company offers fast turn-around on a very large range of both catalogue and customised solutions.

Comments CEO, Keith Moore: ““Pickering Interfaces exports 95% of its production overseas – 40% to North America, 35% to Europe and 20% to Asia. We received the Queens Award this year due to our 25% average growth during each of the three previous years.”

He continues, “We are honoured to have won such a prestigious award. Our success in the market is due in large part to the flexibility of our workforce. We look to support customers in hi-tech industries by providing highly reliable solutions to their specific problems, not just selling them a ‘catalogue part’. This means that everyone on the team – from the sales people at the front end who spot opportunities, through product development who work to envisage creative and practical solutions, to the manufacturing personnel who deliver products on time, backed by our three year warrantee – must be committed and very capable. We have worked hard to facilitate such an environment globally, and the award is testament to this. We thank the Queen’s Award committee for the Award which we will treasure.”