The Recording and Analysis Toolkit (RAT) system was primarily designed for the MoD as part of a RN Submarine platform fit.

It provides the operator with a system capable of interfacing and digitising up to eight analogue input sensor signals, providing a collection of real-time visualisation, processing and aural tools. In addition it provides associated continuous seamless recording.

RAT provides the MoD with a modern replacement for the now obsolete 1/4" RES recorders. It is manufactured from standard COTS components and Open Architecture interfaces thus minimising long-term support costs.

Inputs/Outputs

Each of the eight input channels has an independent configurable sample rate, with rates from 8kHz to 392kHz, 96 dB of dynamic range, a variety of intermediate configurations (expansion to 2MHz if required) and connection via BNC. Two output channels are provided, one to a headphone jack with associated volume control and the other to a BNC connection. RAT can either be controlled via a local monitor and mouse, or remotely via a standard PC. RAT receives its time input via an IRIG input or internally via a system clock.

Record/Replay

All channels are recorded digitally to a Sony AIT-3 tape recorder. Data can be recorded in wav or GFF (Dstl's Generic File Format) format. RAT can replay directly from the AIT-3 tape media, or from its internal 6 hour rolling history buffer. The operator is able to view/analyse historic data immediately at the click of a button. RAT requires standard tape utilities to strip files of tapes for post mission analysis.

Operator Analysis

It provides an operator with a spectral waterfall from a selected channel as well as providing more advanced analysis features in a 'paused' mode these include zoom in and reprocessing for best time and best frequency. Aural capabilities include speed translation options x1/4, x1/2, x2 and x4 real-time.

Any events of interest can also be captured to wav files as well as saving screenshots to bitmap files.

The user interface has been designed to be extremely intuitive and easy to use; it was commissioned and developed in conjunction with some of the UK's leading MoD sonar operators.

Regulatory Compliance

RAT has been designed and tested to meet the UK defence standards: DEFSTAN 59-41 (EMC), BR1326A (Toxicity), DEFSTAN 08-123 Category B (Temperature & Humidity), JSP 430 (Ships Safety Management), DEFSTAN 00-56 (Safety Management Requirements) and DEFSTAN 08-107 (Electro technical Equipment).

Feature Summary

• 8 analogue input channels, 2 analogue output channels
• Sample rates 8 to 392kHz (expansion to 2MHz)
• Automatic anti-aliasing filters tuned to band of interest
• Digitisation to 96 dB dynamic range
• BNC rear connections, Jack plug front with volume control
• Seamless continuous recording to tape media (no loss of data on tape change)
• Record formats include wav and GFF
• Direct replay from tape media
• 6 hour rolling history buffer for immediate analysis/replay
• Controlled via local display/mouse or via remote laptop
• Ftp ethernet connection to download captured wav and bitmap files
• All non-volatile media is removable via front panel, requires no type specific tools
• Speed translation options x1/4, x1/2, x2 and x4
• Hi-resolution spectral re-processing, providing best-time and best-frequency analysis
• Wilcox aural filtering
• Various cursor measurement utilities
• System time from external IRIG or onboard clock
• Dual redundant PSU (90 - 264 VAC)
• Temperature operating 0 - 55 degrees
• Air cooled
• Size 19", 3U x 550mm
• Weight less than 10Kg

Recording and Analysis Toolkit (RAT) (220 Kb)