Aerospace Engine Testing


PerfectDecibel provides advanced Test & Measurement (T&M) and Data Acquisition (DAQ) solutions for aerospace engine testing, supporting the acquisition, synchronization and analysis of critical measurement data during engine development, maintenance and certification.

Based on Gantner Instruments' modular data acquisition platform, our solutions deliver deterministic real-time performance, high channel density and seamless integration with industrial automation systems, making them ideal for demanding aerospace test environments.

Engine Test Cells

Modern engine test facilities require the simultaneous acquisition of hundreds of synchronized measurement channels with the highest levels of accuracy and reliability.

Typical applications include:

  • Aircraft engine testing
  • Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) testing
  • Turboshaft engine testing
  • Gas turbine testing
  • Component qualification
  • Production acceptance testing
  • Maintenance verification

Reference Project : TAP Maintenance & Engineering – Lisbon


A significant Portuguese aerospace application is the TAP Maintenance & Engineering engine test facility in Lisbon, where Gantner Instruments' state-of-the-art data acquisition technology has been successfully deployed for synchronized monitoring of critical engine test parameters.

Installed in a DIN-rail architecture inside the engine test cell control cabinet, the modular system performs synchronized acquisition of analogue and digital signals from multiple engine sensors, ensuring reliable, deterministic measurements throughout the complete engine test cycle.

Measurement Capabilities

The installed system acquires synchronized measurements from a wide range of sensors, including:

  • Thermocouples and Pt100 RTD temperature sensors
  • Pressure transducers
  • PE - Piezoelectric vibrations sensors 
  • Tachometer generators
  • Voltage and current signals
  • Digital inputs/outputs 
  • Engine operating parameters


These measurements provide engineers with accurate information for:
  • Engine performance evaluation
  • Functional verification
  • Condition monitoring
  • Preventive maintenance
  • Test validation

System Architecture

The data acquisition platform is based on Gantner Q.series modular measurement units operating under the control of a real-time controller.

The system communicates with Siemens SIMATIC S7 PLCs via the PROFIBUS industrial communication protocol.

Within the engine test cell:

  • Siemens SIMATIC S7 PLCs manage the complete automation, sequencing and safety functions of the test facility.
  • Gantner Instruments provides deterministic, synchronized data acquisition, high-speed signal conditioning, real-time measurement processing and reliable data exchange with the automation system.

This architecture combines industrial automation with high-performance measurement technology, ensuring accurate and repeatable engine testing under demanding operating conditions.

Typical Measurements

The Gantner platform supports the acquisition of virtually every signal required during aerospace engine testing, including:

  • Temperature
  • Pressure
  • Vibration
  • Acceleration
  • Rotational speed
  • Voltage and Current
  • Torque
  • Fuel flow
  • Digital Inputs/Outputs
  • Frequency
  • Status and alarm signals

Key Advantages

  • High-precision 24-bit data acquisition
  • Deterministic real-time measurements
  • Fully synchronized acquisition across all channels
  • Modular and scalable architecture
  • Industrial DIN-rail installation
  • High reliability for continuous operation
  • Integration with Siemens PLCs
  • Open communication interfaces
  • Long-term product availability 

Aerospace Expertise in Portugal

Building on the successful deployment at TAP Maintenance & Engineering, PerfectDecibel is actively supporting the modernization of aerospace engine and Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) test benches in Portugal.

These projects involve the migration to the latest Gantner Q.series data acquisition platform, delivering enhanced performance, greater scalability and long-term support for aerospace testing applications.


Discover how Gantner Instruments' modular data acquisition technology is helping modernize aerospace engine test systems in Portugal.


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