Built-in diagnostics for advanced power management

The Army's Diagnostic Analysis and Repair Tool Set (DARTS) is an advanced software product used to perform automated fault diagnostics that results in reduced logistics costs, decreased downtime and enhanced mission performance. DARTS enabled automated, knowledge based fault diagnostics to be embedded in the Advanced Modular Power Control System (AMPCS). AMPCS is an integrated hardware and software product for aerospace power management. DARTS was used in a concurrent engineering design environment as a computer aided engineering tool to optimize the fault detection and fault isolation characteristics of the AMPCS prototype design. Project results indicate a new method for linking the diagnostic knowledge base captured during design with the hardware under development to achieve automated fault isolation throughout the hardware life cycle. A successful demonstration of real-time fault diagnostics was conducted using the AMPCS prototype unit and the DARTS software in a hardware-in-the-loop laboratory system. This project reduced to practice the concept of automated, knowledge based diagnostics for electronic systems.<>