Updating a complex control system

Discusses the light gas gun facility firing system and the upgrade of the control system. The Materials Dynamics Group was left with a GUI with which they were already familiar as well as hardware with faster and easier connectivity. The documentation provided gives an explanation of what applications each port serves, and where a single signal can be located on any particular DAQ card, which will allow for an easy understanding of the program as a whole. The additions to the old system give the customer increased reliability, increased ability to troubleshoot problems, and accurately logged information to help repeat successful tests. This case study can easily be applied to other control systems of similar applications. Although the methods and tools of implementation may vary, the presented systematic approach explains the thought process that you must go through to provide the most appropriate solution. You must consider not only the hardware and software aspects of the project, but also the potential applications the system may be used for in the future. By acknowledging each issue a customer may have, an approach can be taken to not only address each concern, but also to include additional features that enhance the overall control system