Description: Orbital Research proposes to develop, build and test 3 additional high temperature components for use in the design of a Data Concentrator Module in distributed turbine engine control at high temperatures. The concentrator receives analog and digital signals related to turbine engine control and communicates with a FADEC or high level command processor. This data concentrator follows the road map put forth by DECWG for use in creating a demonstration platform for turbine engine distributed controls communication development that operates at temperatures at least up to 225C. Phase I was the development of detailed specifications for each component needed for the system, as well as to define the total system specification. This entailed a combination of system design, compiling existing component specifications, laboratory testing, and simulation. The results showed the feasibility of the data concentrator. Phase II of this program will focus on three key objectives: The first objective will be to update Data Concentrator design modifications from DECWG and Prime Contractors. Secondly, to define the requirements for the three new high temperature ASICs. Finally to validate each design by testing over temperature and under load.

Benefits: NASA space programs should benefit from the development of both the HTE component chips and also the Data Concentrator and MCMs. These low-cost chips are designed to be highly reliable due to requirements of the aircraft industry. Furthermore, the inherent properties of SOI technology make it rad-hardened and hence appropriate for space applications. The benefits of distributed control that apply to both the engines and airframes will also apply to space vehicles.

Defense and Commercial applications include: -Next generation military and civilian aircraft turbine engines, including rotorcraft, UAS, and land vehicles (very large market potential); -Down-hole drilling and geothermal drilling controls; -Ground testing rocket and turbine engines; -Prognostic Health Management (PHM)/Integrated System Health Management (ISHM); -Chemical, nuclear, refinery, and process plant instrumentation -Powertrain controls for internal combustion engines, gas or diesel (for instance an improved waste gate turbo-booster).