ETTC'2003 - SEE

The file structure is also adopted from 4575 as this facilitates host computing platform
independence and commonality. The file structure does not define how data is physically
stored on the recording media but provides a standardised method for access of stored
data at the interface. For IRIG time synchronised formats a decision was made to add an
optional relative time packet to the packet header and to each data packet.
The STANAG 4575 declassification procedure has been incorporated in its entirety. This
procedure has been established with vendors in co-operation with government security
agencies. The U.S. National Security Agency has endorsed STANAG 4575 Annex F,
advanced memory system de-classification and sanitisation guidance, for use as interim
guidance. The RCC has an action to verify Annex F and compare to chapter 10’s declassification
procedure.
• TG - 63 Telemetry networks
Continuing discussion/ activity – RCC Vehicular Instrumentation Committee lead on this
task.
• Telemetry attributes transfer standard - TMATS
The U.S. Ranges use TMATS to record and build the data structures needed to load test
data systems and configure ground stations. The RCC is investigating the inclusion of
vendor specific telemetry device attributes, without which TMATS will only be a partial
solution.
• Disc based recorder study
The RCC has been requested to provide some guidelines in this area and promote
interoperability. A study of file formats and system architectures is being proposed.
Summary
From the above, and recent telemetry conference proceedings, it is clear that formulating
standards in this rapidly changing field is problematical, albeit the need for data
interchange standards remains as convincing now than ever. The long gestation time
associated with developing Industry standards frequently results in the users having
already made strategic equipment procurement decisions, which inevitably promotes the
proliferation of recording formats.
With the increasing use of distributed computing and networks within telemetry
applications, the data interchange standard is increasingly being defined in terms of the
logical format rather than the physical recording medium.
Acknowledgements
The author acknowledges the contribution of Joe Lloyd, Chairman, recorder and
reproducer committee, Telemetry Group, Range Commanders Council for providing
updates concerning the various RCC tasks.