A DAQ™ is Atec’s custom engine test software and systems, built upon the industry-proven National Instruments LabVIEW and LabWindows™/CVI. Atec’s Data Acquisition and Control System is a modern, full-featured, highly integrated hardware and software solution that is applicable to most commercial and military test applications. It is robust, versatile, user friendly, and specifically designed to handle the demanding requirements of engine testing.  ADAQ™ links seamlessly to digital engine modules (FADECs, DEECs, EECs, ECUs) as well as older analog and mechanical controls. ADAQ™ has been designed  and improved since version 1.0 in 2006. Users can create, remove, calibrate & display channels, and generate custom calculations, screens and reports. Hardware flexibility with PLCs, Console layouts, UPSs, Input devices and custom user interfaces offer popular options, so important to today’s Commercial customers. Beyond the most impressive manual throttle control and operation available, Atec’s new ADAQ™ 3.8 now offers the option of fully automated test.

Atec has listened to the feedback of users and OEMs. ADAQ™ has been simplified and streamlined for operators. FADECs and other engine controls are properly interfaced. Startup has been shortened, and primary run screens have been uncrowded. More complex data gathering, trending, and calculations are running in the background, until the operator clicks on it for display, report generation or data transmission.

ADAQ™ has been designed to be quickly and easily reconfigured for all engine types with the capability to accommodate installations in new test facilities or upgrades to antiquated test cells. Because process reliability is a key component of any test system, ADAQ™ includes displays of all critical test data, engine and facility status, multi-level alarming, custom report generation and network connectivity.  The entire data acquisition and control system is housed in the control console. The system is assembled, verified, and tested at Atec prior to shipment to the customer’s facility. This reduces the amount of test cell down time, minimizing the impact on the production schedule.

ADAQ™ is fully capable of all testing for F100, F110, TF34 and J85 engines. ADAQ™ and predecessor systems are now running these USAF inventory engines in over a dozen countries. Collaborative efforts with Celtech now offer upgrades of ENDASII™ and EDACS™ in joining ADAQ™ to also run JT8, JT9D, CF6, CFM56, V2500, F404, F414, F124, F125, TFE 731, TPE 331, T38, T53, T55, T56, 501D, AE2100, T63, T64, PT6, T700, T701, A250, RR300, multiple APUs and test benches for 25 customers at over 50 locations worldwide. ADAQ™ is now USAF approved for control of T20 jet, T4 jet, and T21D turboprop test cells. ADAQ™ has FAA certification/approval for a long list of commercial engines, and APUs & test benches. Typical Intermediate and Depot level configurations are available to match popular user requirements. In addition to our data acquisition experience, Atec can also handle Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) system integration, as well as power and utilities interfacing. Targeted for large high-bypass Commercial and advanced afterburning engines, ADAQ™ 4.0 is in development for delivery in mid 2017.

Key Features

• Configurable for single-engine and multi-engine test cells
• Fully confident, repeatable manual operation
• Now available with optional automated operating mode
• User configurable: user can add new channels, alarms, calculations, and reports
• Customized data display and report layouts
• Multi-level system access security
• Built-in-test (startup, continuous background, operator-initiated modes)
• Multiple LCD data displays maximize the operator’s situational awareness, eliminating outdated analog display functionality
• Full featured, integrated calibration module simplifies calibration process
• Fully integratable with Atec’s Model 5400 Series throttles
• Playback mode allows replay of test runs
• Remote display mode allows off-site viewing of the ADAQ™ data displays
• Revised electronic interface for faster, streamlined startup in two simple steps

National Instruments LabVIEW

• National Instruments Certified Developer
• LabVIEW Developer Suite
• LabVIEW Real-Time Developer
• LabVIEW FPGA Developer
• Microsoft SQL
• PLC Ladder Logic
• Embedded Systems
• Assembly Language

Major Systems Components

• PC Host Computer running Windows 7 Pro and ADAQ™ Host application program. DVD R/W, Laser Printer, Multiple widescreen LCD Displays, dual hard drive for increased data storage capacity
• ADAQ™ is designed to use all National Instrument Hardware such as PXI, SCXI and Compact DAQ
• The new ethernet-based National Instrument Compact DAQ hardware, with higher temperature and vibration limits than more common systems, is designed to live in outdoor or other harsh environments
• Omron CJ1 series PLC – Engine/Facility Controls
• Red Lion Touch Screen – Operator Engine/Facility Control Interface
• UPS providing backup power for the DAQ system during power failures

Other Programming Languages

• C, C++
• Visual Basic
• Fortran
• Java