Kinemetrics, Inc

VDAC Kinemetrics' VDAS Data Acquisition Center (VDAC) integrates commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) data acquisition center hardware and software with features developed to meet the special needs of the nuclear treaty verification community. The VDAC is the nucleus of Kinemetrics' VDAS: collecting the data produced by the VFSS(s) and VMS from the station's Intranet; recording the data in CSS 3.0; providing the operator/maintainer with cailbration, fault detection, and isolation tools; providing the analyst with detection and location capability; and forwarding Alpha (CD-1) to three (3) Data Centers.

The VDAC features a distributed open-architecture providing a comprehensive set of environmental monitoring data and processed information. Open-architecture not only supports current requirements but can also be easily adapted to meet developing requirements and to utilize emerging technology. The VDAC modular hardware architecture consist of three main parts:

Data acquisition and processing is performed on a Fault-Tolerant Computer (FTC), a triple-redundant Sun UltraSPARC based workstation extending computer system availability beyond 99%. The FTC consists of three independent but identical CPUs with memory. These three hot-pluggable modules run in parallel, and/or clock synchronously. A 3-way voting architecture compares the results between modules. In case of a faulty CPU, the corresponding module is voted out and disabled, while applications continue to run. The VDAC hardware uses COTS products from high-quality, high-volume manufacturers, resulting in a solution which offers reliability, scalability, flexibility, security, and lowest total cost of ownership.

Fault-tolerant networking I/O on the FTC is achieved via three Ethernet connections with 3-way failover. Each controller has the same IP address but only one interface is active. The FTC provides fault-tolerant disk space through independent SCSI connections to a 2-way or optionally 3-way mirrored disk subsystem. All components of the FTC are hot-pluggable and field replaceable.

Two auto-sensing 10/100Base-T hubs provide a flexible Ethernet infrastructure for the primary and secondary LAN. Both hubs and the NCI are connected to a single but redundant power unit with two hot-pluggable power supplies and fans. A GPS network timeserver provides timing accuracy to better than 1 millisecond which is distributed to all components via the NTP. This allows for correct timing and scheduling of all transactions. An optional UPS subsystem with line conditioning and comprehensive grounding and lightning protection adds to the overall reliability, extending computer system availability beyond 99%.

The operator/maintainer workstation is equipped with two monitors for optimal graphic display of all important control and monitoring Graphic User Interfaces (GUIs). Data processing and review are performed on this workstation, which has one Ethernet interface for each of the two redundant VDAC LANs in order to maintain high availability of this computer on the network.

A Network Timing System (NTS) insures synchronization of commands between the VDAC and the VFSS by providing precision GPS time.

The Network Communication Interface (NCI) provides the Wide Area Network (WAN) and handles all data streams with up to three (3) remote Data Centers. The NCI forwards incoming data to the primary and backup Local Area Network (LAN) from which it is distributed to appropriate computing resources using TCP/IP socket connections. The NCI may be configured with firewall capabilities to secure the WAN communication link.

The primary VDAC software is the COTS Antelope environmental monitoring software. Antelope consists of two major sub-systems:

The Antelope Real-Time System (ARTS) provides full functionality for network and array operations and control, including unique features such as:

ARTS also offers interactive and batch processing, information system functions, automated distribution of data and processed results (e.g., via AutoDRM), and batch mode array processing.

The Antelope Environmental Information System (AEIS) uses relational database (RDBMS) formalism. Seismic applications use the CSS v. 3.0 schema for information organization. The relational database resides on a RAID 1, mirrored disk subsystem for high data security, or an optional RAID 5 system. The AEIS comes with all the tools necessary to review seismic, meteorological and other environmental information. Many data format conversion functions are implemented, including conversion from the extended CSS database to CD-1 format (and CD-2 in the future) and vice versa.

Antelope runs on Sun Microsystems’ Solaris operating system running on SPARC architecture. In addition to providing specific functionality for seismic monitoring systems, Antelope provides a robust and versatile platform to support other non-seismic monitoring applications such as infrasound, hydroacoustic, meteorological and more.

Kinemetrics' VDAS provides communications between sensors and the VDAS Data Acquisition Center (VDAC) using an Intranet concept implemented using only COTS products. Kinemetrics has designed the VDAS as a virtual private network with connectivity achieved using COTS routers. This strategy allows the user to quickly configure adaptive networks that are independent of proprietary data formats and communications schemes.

Data is transmitted using Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP) protocol. SLIP is an industry standard method of encapsulating IP packets so they can be sent over a modem. The physical communications links can be any combination of dedicated copper; leased line; fiber optic; VHF, UHF or Spread Spectrum radio; or satellite. The COTS routers support half- and full-duplex, multipoint, and multidrop communications on these mediums. Host nation radios can be used in the VDAS since the router is configureable to match the characteristics of the radio.

The use of COTS offers a high degree of reliability and flexibility while supporting varied communication topologies required to meet local topographical, infrastructure and regulatory standards. The application of Internet standard COTS products to nuclear treaty verification leverages on the development resources of a market with millions of users.

Communication repeater designs are available to support extended network topologies and physical connections.

Power and grounding is one of the least considered elements in a data acquisition system, and is often the one item where money is "saved" with inadequate design and equipment. As a system integrator with extensive experience in installations worldwide, Kinemetrics considers power and ground essential to the successful installation and continuous operation of a data acquisition system.

Kinemetrics was the first to use dual-stage transient protection on all inputs to our recorders and is one of the few seismic equipment vendors to have CE certification for our recorders and sensors. We have worked with specialists from other companies to design optimal protection by building protection circuitry into our equipment. Kinemetrics' cable design ensures that our systems are protected from transient damage from lightning or electrostatic discharge (ESD) and to minimize both EMI/RFI emissions and susceptibility. All external connections are protected with double stage transient protectors and grounding straps are provided.

The VDAC communications can run from AC Power (80-132 and 180-264Vac, 43-63Hz) or from DC power (10-36Vdc). Power designs are available for AC, solar, thermoelectric, and wind-power to meet the station specific needs.

The user provides the appropriate local ground connection and is responsible for protecting external power cabling, and user provided data connections.