ASTERIX Service, Support, Test & Evaluation System
COMSOFT is introducing RAPS-3, the all-new version of its popular RAPS-II, the only available system which was qualified by EUROCONTROL as ASTERIX Test and Reference Tool.

The enhanced capabilities of RAPS-3 immensely facilitate its use. It features an innovative user interface, a multiple-user environment as well as configuration support which allows the user to set up several different profiles so that each operator can have a HMI based on his specific needs.

RAPS-3 introduces the concept of communication scenarios which combine an arbitrary number of interface characteristics for all communication lines. Once defined, a scenario can be used further on for immediate execution of RAPS-3 functionality such as recording and replay or protocol-, format- and ASTERIX bridge purposes.

RAPS-3 includes a new auto-sensing feature, which automatically analyses and detects the protocols and formats used on the interfaces to the systems under test and suggests an appropriate setting of the parameters. This eliminates the tedious process of finding out and entering these data manually.

The XML scenario concept and the command line interface allows to control RAPS-3 via third party products.

RAPS new ASTERIX processor enables the operator to choose among different ASTERIX versions.

When it comes to the ASTERIX standard, RAPS-3 is compatible with all earlier versions. In addition to that, it features detailed analysing and encoding of user-specific ASTERIX data fields (e. g. SP/RE-Fields) and BDS Register, used for Mode-S, ADS-B and multilateration purposes.

Customers may choose between two configurations: Classic (all-in-one portable computer) and Compact (ruggedized, military-certified computer).

• EUROCONTROL qualified ASTERIX processor
• Scenario concept for communication and analysis sessions
• Enriched ASTERIX analysis capability (virtually unlimited number of statistics and diagnostics as well as ASTERIX display alternatives)
• Improved ASTERIX tools (easy-to-use ASTERIX editor, intelligent data comparison)
• Customizable and Innovative HMI, supporting multiple user environments
• Open, modular, XML-based architecture
• All-encompassing import and export capabilities for surveillance data
  

Unlimited recording for large data volumes
Thanks to the sophisticated data management, no latency will occur even when retrieving large volumes of data.

Multiple-line recording & replay
The user can prepare recording and replay scenarios for all physical interfaces and communication lines. These scenarios then can be reused and as edited with third party tools such as Microsoft Word.

Versatile data import
RAPS-3 will detect virtually all existing surveillance data formats, file framings, frame headers and trailers.

Enhanced ASTERIX features for analysis & export
RAPS-3 features user-configurable ASTERIX data presentation and flexible export of results for further use with third party tools.

Editing of recorded and/or imported ASTERIX data
With the integrated ASTERIX editor, the user can change, manage, and edit imported and/or recorded ASTERIX data and use them for simulation and test purposes.

User-defined ASTERIX conversion
The flexible ASTERIX processor can be used in ATC test environments for the translation of ASTERIX categories of different versions. Furthermore, the processor facilitates the process of quickly converting ASTERIX data streams to legacy formats and vice versa.

Simulation of line error
RAPS-3 is able to imitate a physical fault of a line at any programmed time. This feature makes it possible to simulate radar breakdowns or lost communication lines and faulty equipment.

Remote control
RAPS-3 allows to be controlled remotely such that sessions for recording, replay, analysis, import, or export can be defined, started or controlled from a remote system. Furthermore, the events, failure and information messages which are generated by RAPS-3 can be reported via a dedicated interface to this system.