Systems Engineering Services
X Double Dot provides systems engineering support; helping to manage complexity, effectively coordinate group efforts and ensure the end result meets the user needs. Our clients include both contractors and program offices managing challenging development projects. From the proposal or concept phase, through the development process and into operation, we can help ensure your project is successful.
Our systems engineering approach is based on industry standard guidelines, and rooted in practical experience with the challenges of complex development projects. We recognize that each client and project are unique, and tailor the approach based on a number of factors: the size and geographic distribution of the team, team culture and experience, cost and complexity of the project, funding agency requirements, and consequences of the project outcome. By simplifying the process where appropriate, the value of the effort can be maximized while retaining the benefit of standardization. A number of studies have associated effective systems engineering practices with substantial reductions in cost and schedule overruns.
Effective systems engineering is characterized by an increased emphasis on the planning phase of projects. In developing these guiding plans, X Double Dot can either serve an active role in the planning, or provide training and work as a facilitator with client personnel.
Some of the planning efforts we can assist with are:
- Systems engineering management plans
- Specifications and requirements definition
- System architecting
- Concepts of operation
- Requirement flow down
- Verification planning
As the development process advances we can provide ongoing support with:
- Refinement of plans
- Design verification
- Performance verification
Examples
System Performance Budgeting
Developed and maintained both top-down and bottom-up error budgets for system performance requirements such as pointing, tracking and image quality, for a variety of precision dynamic systems. Budget development included performing and directing supporting analyses, and developing flowdown requirements to ensure the overall design goals were met.
Active Optics System
The AOS of the Discovery Channel Telescope (DCT) system maintains critical alignments of the telescope optics and nanometer level control of the primary mirror geometry. Using a combination of optical and mechanical feedback sensors and calibration data, the system controls 126 axes in real-time to provide excellent imaging capability for the DCT. Systems engineering assured image quality performance would be met and coordinated development of mirror supports systems with the parallel development of the telescope gimbal, support structure, optics and instrument interfaces.