Maxim TereshchenkoÁ| | | |||
  rgon
Research Institute is a leading developer of onboard digital computers
and computing systems. Founded in 1948 as the SKB-245 Special Design Bureau,
it was one of Russia's first developers of electronic computing gear.Á
Analog computing and modeling systems and unmanned vehicle control systems were the first Argon developments. In 1964, the Institute launched development work to build its first onboard computer, dubbed Argon. Over the past years, more than 30 types of onboard computers and derivative computing systems have been developed, put in series production and went on stream. They have been used extensively in aircraft missile, space vehicle, space missile and unmanned vehicle control systems, including the Luna moon rover, as well as on Mir and Salyut orbital stations and transport spacecraft. |
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| ÁÁ From the mid-1980s, Argon has been involved in the development of an array (family) of unified onboard digital computers, based on architecture compatible with that of general-purpose computers. At first the architecture of computers ES EVM and SM EVM, using high-level languages, was used. Simultaneously, the development of problem-oriented onboard computers, based on POISK architecture (problem-oriented architecture, featuring variable instruction code) was conducted. In recent years, the development work has been carried out to build computers based on large-scale integration elements (imported and home-made VLSI ICs). As well as onboard digital computers, considerable emphasis has been placed on general-purpose industrial computers intended for use in severe operating conditions. |
 Onboard digital computer |
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| ÁÁ The recent developments include the family of the types Ts101 andÁ A-50 onboard digital computers, original single-board miniature computers SB-3580 and SB-5580, a family of the EA-2164, EA-2165, EA-2166 series computers, communications facilities for use on board spacecraft and orbital stations, a number of conversion-oriented developments and some specific onboard computers and software. | |||
| ÁÁ Airborne computers Ts101, Ts101M1, Ts102M1, Ts104M1 perform
a wide range of information-processing tasks on board fighter aircraft
MiG-29 and Su-27, including airborne weapon systems and radar control.
Onboard digital computers of the Ts-101 family meet a wide range of requirements
imposed on real-time operating systems. Possibilities exist to create multiple-computer
complexes for use in special-purpose computer systems. ÁÁ The onboard digital computer features such qualities as the ability to withstand severe climatic conditions and physical strain. The standard delivery set comprises microprocessor-based hardware, making the software operation possible both in autonomous mode and in conjunction with the onboard DCMPTR. A procedure-oriented system of instructions (POISK), comprising 256 instructions, is used. |
 Onboard digital computer EA-2164 |
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| ÁÁ The A-50 and A-50.01 original airborne computers, featuring the architecture of the ES EVM machine, are designed to process information within the long-range radar warning system. Moreover, they can be used in high-performance information management and computerized process control systems. On the basis of these systems, multiple computer complexes can be created for use in fixed or mobile computing centers. They can also share the peripherals and software of ES EVM computers. Owing to the high resistivity of the A-50 airborne computer to environmental effects, it can be used in severe operating conditions. | |||
| ÁÁ The single-board subminiature airborne computer SB-3580 can either be built into the user's machine or used as a kernel computer to build digital information computing and management systems. It is basically a finished multipurpose computing module, which can be used in those applications, where small size and weight, high reliability, low power consumption and high operating speed are essential. The computer SB-3580 can be used to build multiple-computer complexes and as a controller in multiprocessor computing complexes and fail-safe majorized systems. The instruction code encompasses a subset of SM EVM instructions. The computer is built around a multilayer ceramic board (MOS-VLSI technology). Programming facility: OS RAFOS-11 cross-system. Programming languages include: Assembler, Si, Pascal, Fortran.Á |
 Communications device US-11 |
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| ÁÁ The SB-5580 airborne computer is similar to SB-3580, except that it has a bus-structured modular microprogrammable problem-oriented architecture (POISK-88), featuring a variable instruction code. | |||
| ÁÁ The programming languages are: YASKO high-level Assembler, Si, Pascal, Modula 2. The computer is provided with an automated program preparation facility, using the tools of computers ES EVM and personal computers of the IBM PC/AT type. The architecture of POISK-88 contemplates adaptation of the instruction code to the control system tasks by adding microcommands, typical of a particular system, to the permanent portion of instructions. |
 Onboard digital computer SB-3580 |
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| ÁÁ Airborne computers, seriesÁÁÁ EA-2164, EA-2165 and EA-2166, are designed to equip operator workstations in fixed and mobile computerized control centers and control various vehicles on a real-time basis autonomously and within multiple-computer systems and complexes. | |||
| Owing to the airborne DCMPTR design, it can be installed on cross-country and tracked vehicles. The onboard computer EA-2164 has a modular design. Consequently, it can easily be installed in the operator cabin, while EA-2165 and EA-2166 are portable computers accommodated in a brief case. All airborne computers use the INTEL 486 processor and have standard electronic interfaces fully compatible with IBM PCs and micro PCs. The bus-structured architecture is open for users of specialized systems and provides for the installation of additional modules. Power is supplied from either a 27 V or 220 V 50 Hz mains. |
 Echolot-2M DCS |
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| ÁÁ Total weight: EA-2164 - up to 12 kg, EA-2165 - up to 8
kg, EA-2166 - 5 to 7 kg. The US-11 and other families of communications
facilities are designed to link separate devices with central spaceborne
computers. Their architecture is bus-structured. The standard set of this
equipment comprises a terminal computer module, terminal interface module
to provide link to external and internal interfaces, interface modules
used to provide a link to external devices, discrete signal receive/transmit
modules, pulse signal receive/transmit modules, built-in secondary power
supply source. Physically, the communications device is a separate dust-
and moisture-proof unit mounted on a base plate, whose temperature is maintained
within the range of -10 to +35 oC. The unit overall dimensions are 125x190x165
mm, the weight does not exceed 5 kg and the maximum power consumed from
a +27 V mains is 24 W. The designed service life is not less than 14 years,
including at least 10 years airborne.
ÁÁ The built-in computing complex KVVS-248 is designed to equip Category 2 communications terminals: airborne, type AT2, ground-based, type NT2, and shipborne, type KT2. The multiple-computer configuration is based on the microprocessor 1867VM3 (similar to TMS320C30), featuring a branched system of external interfaces. Each computer, incorporated in the complex, occupies a single PCB. Two PCBs make up a unit, sizing 170x360x17.5 mm. The PCB units are designed into peripherals. The computers are interconnected via a high-speed common bus. Various computing system configurations can be represented by one separate computer or multiple-computer complexes, comprising two to eight computers. Operating requirements of these computers comply with the requirements for airborne, ground-based (mobile) and shipborne applications. ÁÁ The KVVS built-in computing complex is provided with servicing facilities, designed to effectively use the software, based on the Assembler and Si++ languages. ÁÁ The Institute's developments made as part of the conversion program are the Ekholot (echo sounder), Ekholot 2M and Programmable Digital Recorder designed to collect data. ÁÁ The echo sounder is designed to measure and calculate oil field well parameters. To take measurements, an acoustic logging method is used, where piezoelectric pick-ups and strain gauges are the major tools. The complex enables the operator to measure and calculate the following well characteristics: dynamic oil level stage, annular space pressure, pump suction pressure, pump suction temperature, gas flow rate, bottomhole pressure and well productivity. The basic data used to make the required calculations are the dynamic oil level stage, annular space pressure and the specific well parameters, characterizing the oil field. The well parameters are entered via a digital keyboard. The measured and calculated data are displayed on a ten-digit indicator and output via a small-size printer. The computed information is stored in a random-access memory (RAM) powered by a separate source. From RAM it can be sent to a personal computer. ÁÁ Ekholot 2M differs from Ekholot mainly in design and lower weight, which has been reduced from 7 to 4 kg. The complex versatility resides in the fact that its technical capabilities can be enhanced to the level of modern industrial computer, featuring a multichannel analog-digital input and output. ÁÁ The data collection system, dubbed Programmable Digital Recorder (PDR), is designed to gather information related to the operation of various-purpose industrial complexes. The system monitors the state of the equipment installed at an industrial complex and warns of its marginal operating conditions. The state of the equipment is recorded both before and after it reaches the marginal operating condition. To analyze the situation, the state of the sensors is indicated on displays. The state of up to 32 analog signal and up to 32 relay signal generators is analyzed. The PDR weight does not exceed 9 kg.Á ÁÁ To analyze an event, the relevant information can be retrieved from the PDR's RAM and sent to an IBM-compatible personal computer. ÁÁ As well as finished specimens of computing devices, a variety of separate multipurpose computer elements have been developed, including a parametric row of secondary stabilized power sources, onboard signal processor designed to process images on a real-time basis, onboard storage devices (ferrite-core, semiconductor, magnetic bubble domain, and hard magnetic disk) and unified software. ÁÁ The high scientific and technical level of Argon employees makes it possible to adapt to the rapidly changing requirements for onboard computer development, alteration of computer elements design methods and elaboration of design documentation. The Institute has accumulated unique experience in applying the advanced methods used to carry out mechanical strength and climate tests, providing for the high engineering level and reliability of the computing gear. |
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