Portable Data Acquisition Systems for Aircraft Assembly

This case study details the development of a portable data acquisition (DAQ) system by ACS for a leading global aerospace manufacturer. The objective was to replace outdated manual logging systems used in aircraft final assembly with a rugged, efficient solution. The challenges included the need for a portable system that could interface with diverse test carts while meeting strict ergonomic standards and delivering high-performance data acquisition. ACS designed a NI PXI-based DAQ system housed in a rugged Pelican case, featuring military-grade connectors and SSD storage. The solution included a commercial PC interface for user familiarity and was optimized for serviceability and ergonomic constraints. The new system automated data collection, improving accuracy and reducing downtime, thus enhancing efficiency across the assembly line. The rugged design ensured durability, while the ergonomic case facilitated easy movement between test stations. This project not only met the client's requirements but also positioned ACS to offer similar solutions to other industries.