Design specification for AFCS universal performance assessment and control system

A prototype data acquisition system that utilizes commercial software and hardware design concepts, for use in the development of performance monitoring systems of communication networks, has been designed, assembled, and checked out for the use of the USAF/AFCS. This document provides the design specifications for this universal performance assessment and control system (UPACS). Features emphasized are the use of a real-time software operating system, distributed processing, and the IEEE 488-1975 Digital Interface for Programmable Instrumentation. A centralized minicomputer controls multiple distributed satellite processors by means of a multipoint asynchronous telemetry channel. All data acquisition takes place at the satellite terminals by controlling data acquisition devices connected to the IEEE 488 interface. A detailed description is given of hardware and operating system software. No specific data acquisition software is discussed.