The DDR-300 offers extremely high performance digital data recording and playback for serial bit streams operating at data rates from 100 bits per second (bps) to 300 megabits per second (Mbps). The system has many cutting edge features that set it apart from typical digital data recorders. These include the use of GPS for extremely accurate time acquisition, XML web services for cross-platform compatibility, a burst frame sync inserter, an on-the-fly bit error monitor, and optional software decommutation that can operate simultaneously while recording. Using GPS for timing has a distinct advantage over classical analog IRIG timing. Accuracy previously unattainable (1 microsecond or better), can be realized without the hassles of delicate amplifier adjustment, or the wait time associated with disciplined oscillator stabilization. GPS receivers are also inexpensive and readily available.  

With the recent growth of distributed computing systems and new methods of making hardware and software interfaces virtual, XML web services have assumed a significant role in establishing cross platform compatibility, and remote hardware control. Capitalizing on this cutting edge software methodology, we have designed the GUI interface to operate on top of an XML web service interface. This means that the GUI can exist on the same machine as the hardware, or can be hosted on any computer accessible to the hardware's network resources. One could, for example, operate the DDR-300 from any computer located anywhere in the country. Also, the XML web service interface allows the DDR-300 to be easily integrated into system architectures running any operating system that supports XML web services.

With the many different formats of data transfer that exist today, digital recorders must have the capability to record and reproduce the original recorded data streams accurately. One feature that enhances the DDR-300's ability to accomplish this is the burst frame sync inserter. With this feature enabled, the DDR will insert a frame sync and time signature into the data stream if a clock goes silent for a programmable time threshold. This allows the ground unit to always recover data alignment and timing on burst, packetized, or gated clock data streams.

Link analyzers are an excellent tool for measuring a data stream's quality potential. Most of the time, however, they are removed from the signal path once the link is declared "good". This poses a real problem for systems that must be constantly aware of the quality of the data being recorded. In a missile test, for example, it is not sufficient to declare a link acceptable by simply monitoring a frame lock indicator on a decommutator. Usually, once a missile test is executed, only the data remains. It is for this reason that we have taken extreme care to build into all of our DDR and telemetry products the capability of monitoring the bit error rate on-the-fly. On more than one occasion, a DDR has revealed a problem in the link when previously employed means have declared the link "green".

With our optional decommutation software, any DDR model can be turned into a full-featured telemetry station. Adding the DDS-4000 Decom Application Suite allows for simultaneous full-bandwidth recording and real-time telemetry data processing. In this configuration, the DDR can serve telemetry in engineering units to an unlimited number of display terminals. The DDS-4000 application suite includes a telemetry data server, real-time remote terminal display, point-and-click display builder and post test telemetry processing tools for rapid data reduction, analysis, and reporting.