Pave Penny Code Converted

Chameleon transforms Pave Penny BASIC code into ANSI C

Advint's Chameleon code transformer successfully completed transformation of source code for 23 Pave Penny (AAS-35) test programs to ANSI C for the United States Air Force (USAF) Warner Robins Air Logistics Center (WR-ALC). Pave Penny is a passive laser tracking pod that uses reflected laser energy to give the pilot precise target location for US Air Force attack aircraft and fighter-bombers. It can recognize specific laser designation signals based on pre-determined four-digit codes encoded into the laser pulse, allowing it to seek out particular targets and ignore others.

The original Pave Penny TPSs were written in a version of BASIC hosted on the Computer Operated Multifunction Electronics Test System (COMETS). These legacy programs were converted to National Instruments LabWindows/CVI™. The conversion was based upon XML models developed by Advint. Chameleon code conversion resulted in a fully automated translation that was done quickly and cost effectively.

The resultant ANSI C based test programs can be executed on most any modern tester including WR-ALC's new Versatile Depot Automatic Test Station (VDATS). VDATS is a highly capable, flexible and tailorable new tester for the Air Force. The station are being designed and built by WR-ALC with over 40 testers planned making it the largest organic build of its kind. There are two versions of the tester; a Digital/Analog configuration and a Radio Frequency (RF) variant. VDATS is designed for testing both line replaceable (LRU) and shop replaceable units (SRU). It is anticipated that VDATS will be capable of handling 95% of WR-ALC depot workload.

The Chameleon facilitates quick and cost effective TPS re-host. It provides multi-dialect code conversion with a single tool which is key to the Air Force since the depot contains many different types of testers all using different programming languages. Chameleon also ensures traceability between legacy and new target code. The tool's open architecture approach allows update and customization as needs arise. It also increases the conversion quality via systematic defined translation process.

About Advint

Advint is a rapidly growing system integrator of automated test systems located in Columbus, OH. The company is an NI Alliance Member, a member of the Teradyne Support Network, and part of the Huntron Integration Service Network. Advint provides hardware/software development and systems integration services in support of the test & measurement, and industrial automation industries.