Introduction
RIO-NG is Aitech’s latest offering in extensible Remote Input Output digital platforms. The RIO-NG platform is designed around a Common Digital Processing Platform (CDPP) which provides “standard” functionality to collect, process, format, packetize and transport data. The CDPP interfaces to all systems through the use of a personality module. Personality modules can be made available in a variety of functions including but not limited to:
- Process control: Thermocouple with Cold Junction Compensation, RTD, Strain Gauge, Accelerometer, Acoustic, and pressure transducers
- Digital IO: Parallel Machine-Machine interfaces like TTL, RS422 discrete IO and Human Machine interfaces like push buttons and touch sensing panels
- High Current Interfaces: Pyrotechnic high voltage/high current interface, Industrial and Aerospace voltage and current-mode valve control interfaces with power saving option
- Motor and Mechanism Drive: Stepper motor controller, Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine (PMSM) motor drive with vector and trapezoidal sensor and sensor-less commutation
The RIO-NG platform is comprised of a CDPP and/or a selection of Personality Modules offering data collection and control options from 16 to 128 channels.
RIO-NG Platform also offers a variety of digital bus interfaces as well. The standard interfaces include 10/100 Mbps Ethernet, and RS-422 Serial. Aitech also offers extended capability for the digital bus through the use of Backend Extensions. Backend Extensions currently available include:
- Serial UART/RS422
- CANbus
- I2C / I2S
- 802.11n WiFi
In addition, Backend Extensions could be made available in, but not limited to, the following configurations:
- Bluetooth
- Synchronous Serial
- MIL-STD-1553
- SpaceWire
The modularity of the RIO-NG Platform allows for very creative, high reliability and low power solutions. By mixing and matching CDPPs with Personality Modules and Backend Extensions, the system level designer is capable of assembling a wide array of embedded solutions.
The CDPP as well as the RIO-NG Platform are offered in the standard Aitech Ruggedization Levels, and are functionally equivalent across all levels. This ensures that the code and interfaces designed and developed with the lab unit will be 100% compatible with the final product regardless of target market whether Industrial, Military/Aerospace or Space.