High-Density DAQ System for Aerospace Testing

Hottinger Brüel & Kjær (HBK) has announced the launch of Fusion MX, a next-generation data acquisition system developed for large-scale structural testing and long-duration durability campaigns in aerospace and defense applications. The platform is intended to improve data traceability, operational continuity, and measurement density in complex testing environments.

The system addresses the increasing demands of modern aerospace development programs, where testing often involves thousands of measurement channels, distributed engineering teams, and multiyear validation campaigns. Fusion MX has been engineered to reduce risks associated with data traceability gaps, channel scalability limitations, and extended test cycles that can delay aircraft and defense system development schedules.

DAQ architecture designed for multiyear structural testing
Fusion MX was specifically developed for full-scale structural fatigue testing used in the development of aircraft, helicopters, and defense systems. The system incorporates automated parameterization functions intended to reduce setup times and accelerate testing cycles.

HBK states that the platform ensures complete data traceability through automated configuration features and proven strain gauge amplifier technology. This approach helps reduce configuration errors during large-scale testing campaigns involving extensive sensor networks.

Aerospace structural testing typically requires synchronized acquisition of data from strain gauges, thermocouples, displacement sensors, and load measurement systems. Data continuity is particularly important in certification and regulatory validation programs.

High channel density and open system integration
The system uses a compact 1U form factor designed to maximize measurement channel density within test racks. Each blade supports up to 48 strain gauge channels and 40 thermocouple channels.

This architecture allows Fusion MX to operate either as a standalone unit or as part of large rack-based test infrastructures used in aerospace laboratories and structural qualification facilities.

HBK also states that the platform supports the openDAQ protocol, enabling integration with third-party systems and existing test infrastructures. This compatibility is intended to reduce ownership costs and simplify gradual upgrades of industrial measurement environments.

Open architectures are becoming increasingly important in industrial testing systems, particularly in facilities combining legacy equipment, specialized software, and multi-vendor instrumentation platforms.

Advantage Connect software for automated testing workflows
Fusion MX will be delivered alongside Advantage Connect data acquisition software, which is designed to automate test setup procedures and simplify data analysis. The combined platform centralizes configuration, acquisition, and analysis functions for complex testing campaigns.

According to HBK, the integrated system is intended to deliver reliable results while minimizing operational interruptions during long-term testing programs. Target applications include aircraft fatigue testing, structural validation of defense components, and environmental qualification testing.

Fusion MX and Advantage Connect are scheduled for release later in 2026.

Additional Context: This section details technical specifications and competitive benchmarking not included in the original product announcement
Data acquisition systems used in aerospace testing are typically evaluated according to measurable technical criteria including maximum channel count, sampling rate, signal synchronization accuracy, measurement precision, and long-term data traceability capabilities.

In the aerospace structural testing market, competing platforms include HBK’s existing QuantumX systems, Siemens SCADAS platforms, and National Instruments PXI-based architectures. PXI systems are commonly used in applications requiring high-speed acquisition and modular scalability, while dedicated fatigue testing platforms generally prioritize long-term stability and synchronized management of large channel counts.

The use of the openDAQ protocol in Fusion MX is also significant within the industrial open-instrumentation market. openDAQ-compatible architectures improve interoperability between software and hardware from different suppliers, which is increasingly important in collaborative aerospace laboratories and international aircraft development programs.

Edited by Sucithra Mani, Induportals editor – adapted by AI.

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