Automotive testing applications present a diverse set of challenges to the designers of test systems, and the need for ever-more powerful and user-friendly test stands continues to grow as vehicle systems become more complex and more is understood about what actually occurs in real world conditions. To produce the desired results, test platforms need a controller that provides very stable closed-loop control, which is able to apply complex testing scenarios precisely, while being highly adaptable to new testing challenges.
Automotive component and subsystem suppliers are often faced with the dilemma that the mechanical aspects of an existing test system may be sound, but the control system may have become obsolete due to its use of an old, unsupported operating system or the lack of modern features and connectivity. The problems are exacerbated if the test stand was moved from one plant to another in its history. After such shakeups, operators and maintenance people may no longer be able to get it to work effectively. “When we get called in to do a test retrofit, we’re often looking at a 25 year old machine that’s mechanically sound, but limited by the electronics,” said Kevin Kretschmann, principal at test system manufacturer Innkeeper LLC of Livonia, Michigan.