Advanced self-calibrating, self-repairing data acquisition system

US6462684B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventors

• Pedro J. Medelius · Merritt Island, US
• Anthony Eckhoff · Cocoa, US
• Lucena R. Angel · Orlando, US
• Jose M. Perotti · Merritt Island, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 5, 2002
• Grant date: Oct 8, 2002
• Expiry date: Mar 5, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H03M1/1225
• WIPO field: Basic communication processes
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

An improved self-calibrating and self-repairing Data Acquisition System (DAS) for use in inaccessible areas, such as onboard spacecraft, and capable of autonomously performing required system health checks, failure detection. When required, self-repair is implemented utilizing a “spare parts/tool box” system. The available number of spare components primarily depends upon each component's predicted reliability which may be determined using Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) analysis. Failing or degrading components are electronically removed and disabled to reduce power consumption, before being electronically replaced with spare components.