Component obsolescence
Many items had been superseded or discontinued, leading to supply problems and PCB modifications to incorporate the replacement parts.
Compliance with more stringent mechanical and electrical standards
Led by customer demands the original design had to meet environmental standards not envisaged during the original product conception. Including Def Stan 59-41 and Def Stan 00-35.
Powerful and flexible development environment
New DSP development environments were available that meant it was possible to gather improved diagnostic information and develop unique tracking algorithms for improved performance in worldwide operational conditions (different climates and continents).
Engineering Challenges / Solutions
The design of the Mk II camera offered up many challenges, some of these and their solutions are listed below:
Improve EMC performance
A single metallic casting was developed with EMC screens. Prototypes were repeatedly EMC tested during the development.
Incorporate better environmental sealing
Environmental seals were used on all holes in the metallic casting and the total number of holes was kept to the minimum possible.
Integrate DSP processing power with a line scan CCD
A high speed DSP was interfaced with a line scan CCD and an FPGA on a single PCB.
Improve the sensitivity in blue sky conditions
The new electronic circuit, line scan CCD and improved height measurement algorithm resulted in greater sensitivity in blue sky conditions.
Develop the blade height measurement algorithm
A diagnostic capability was added to the camera so that real time images of the rotating blades could be downloaded via a hand-held terminal. These blade images were captured for many different tracking conditions and were used to create and test a new tracking algorithm. Features of this new algorithm include:
Diagnostic blade pictures downloaded from the camera whilst in operation
