Title
Multipurpose Electronic Board for Air Data Set Test Equipment
FPGA improvements to obtain cost reduction and performance improvement
Technologies used

FPGA

Industrial sector (PRODCOM code)
    332 Instruments & Appliances for measuring, checking, testing etc
Abstract
D. MARCHIORI is a dynamic Italian company (with 8 employees ), dedicated to R&D, which designs and manufactures precision microprocessor controlled mechanical and measurement devices, aircraft ground support test equipment and software products for the military and commercial aerospace market. The company, established in 1938, developed a deep know-how in producing high precision mechanics used in scientific equipment. Its industrial sector is classified as Prodcom code 3320, Instruments and appliances for measuring, checking, testing etc.
At present D.Marchiori S.r.l. is the main supplier of the Italian Ministry of Defense (M.O.D.) and of Italian Aircraft Manufacturers for the Pitot Static Test Set and for most of the Test Benches used for aircraft instruments maintenance laboratories. In 1998 exports were approx. 45% of total sales.
Before AE experiment DMA produced digital and analogic cards for its equipment; but didn't have any experience in FPGA field.
Scope of present experiment was to develop a multifunction integrated electronic/pneumatic system to drive a series of Air Data Test Set (a system to control and calibrate the aircraft sensors related to the atmospheric pressure) by utilising a new electronic technology never used before by DMA Marchiori, the FPGA.
This has been accomplished to obtain cost reduction and performance and accuracy improvement of Air Data Test Set.
The realisation of this project requires the replacement of four commercial boards with one designed internally to the company and built around an FPGA electronic Chip. In this way a really innovative technology will be introduced in the company, making the new product more competitive in terms of price, performance (24 bits resolution with a 20MHz time base instead of 10 bits with a 10MHz time base), functionalities (12 electro-valve drivers with 12 resolution not present in old system) and reliability (board number reduction from 5 to 2 increase not only system testability but also mechanical reliability during on field operation).
The AE duration was 12 months (holidays not included), with a total budget of 87 KEUR. The pay-back period is about 15 months.
The Return of Investment on the FUSE investment is estimated to be 528% on the entire product life. The AE is of interest for company working in the control equipment and particularly in air transport system.
Company
D.MARCHIORI S.r.l.
Via Pontina km.43, 856
04011 Aprilia (Lt)
Italy
Detailed information
You can also benefit from microelectronics

FPGA technology provided D.MARCHIORI S.r.l. with the means of improving its products and enhancing its market position. You can also achieve significant benefits by acquiring the right microelectronics technology and utilising it in your product or manufacturing process. You can get help from FUSE to realise this.

FUSE is a technology transfer programme, funded by the European Commission to stimulate the wider use of microelectronics technologies by European enterprises to increase their competitiveness and enhance their economic growth. The demonstrator described here is one of many examples in the public FUSE portfolio covering the whole spectrum of microelectronics technologies and spanning a wide range of applications and industry sectors.

FUSE provides you with:

  • Best practice in acquiring specific microelectronics technologies and conducting full development projects through the FUSE portfolio of real life demonstrator documents.
  • Local training and expert support to plan your innovation realistically and help you conduct your project successfully.

Further information and support relating to this and other demonstrators can be obtained from the addresses below.
Further information   Guiding Technology Transfer Node
For further information and support regarding this case study, please contact a Technology Transfer Node (TTN) in your region.
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