White Paper: Test & Measurement
Road Load Data Logger and Signal Conditioning for MTS® Test Bench
SPONSORED BY: ![]()
Manufacturers in the automotive and aerospace industry typically use different data acquisition instrumentation for in-vehicle and test bench testing. However, thanks to combining two data buses — USB and EtherCAT — and MTS implementing the EtherCAT communication on the FlexTest® series controllers, the Dewesoft data acquisition systems offer an ideal solution for both scenarios.
Standardized technology adapted by multiple vendors always opens up better solutions for the end-users. EtherCAT allows more connectivity with the MTS control system while the parallel. EtherCAT/USB technology allows the user to use the same hardware for completely different tasks. EtherCAT solution for connecting the DAQ system with the controller can also save kilometers of expensive analog cables that are replaced by a single CAT5 cable. At the same time, the performance of the RPC analysis is the same as with the analog preamplifiers.
Learn more about this data acquisition system, including an example of RPC drive file analysis on a multi-axis road simulator, in this white paper.
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Overview
The document discusses advancements in data acquisition and signal conditioning systems, particularly focusing on the Dewesoft R8rt and R4rt data acquisition systems, which are designed for use in both automotive and aerospace industries. These systems integrate USB and EtherCAT communication, allowing for efficient data acquisition in various testing scenarios, including in-vehicle and test bench applications.
The Dewesoft systems utilize the EtherCAT protocol, which is a standardized technology that facilitates communication between different hardware components from various vendors. This integration enables users to run test bench operations and acquire data simultaneously using DewesoftX software on an SBOX PC, which features a high-performance Intel i7 CPU, up to 1 TB SSD storage, and an integrated GPS receiver. The SIRIUS data acquisition slices can operate as EtherCAT slaves while also functioning in USB mode, allowing for high-rate data transfer.
The document highlights the versatility of the SIRIUS DAQ systems, which can serve as high-channel-count test bench data acquisition systems and compact mobile data loggers for in-vehicle use. The new FlexTest digital controller software enhances the capabilities of these systems by providing a cost-effective Ethernet-based digital link to third-party data sources. This eliminates the need for additional analog input stages, simplifying the setup and reducing costs associated with instrumentation and cabling.
Performance evaluations, such as the RPC analysis test, demonstrate that the Dewesoft solution using digital EtherCAT data transmission performs comparably to traditional analog solutions. The document emphasizes the significant reduction in cabling requirements, with users saving kilometers of expensive analog cables by switching to a single CAT5 cable for EtherCAT connections.
In conclusion, the integration of EtherCAT and USB technologies in Dewesoft's data acquisition systems offers a streamlined, efficient, and cost-effective solution for automotive and aerospace testing. The ability to use the same hardware for different tasks, along with high-speed data acquisition and real-time output capabilities, positions these systems as a leading choice for modern data acquisition needs. The document underscores the benefits of standardized technology and its impact on improving user experience and operational efficiency in data acquisition applications.